FEWER children received a vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) in Bradford than anywhere else in Yorkshire and the Humber last year, new figures show.

NHS statistics reveal 80.5 per cent of youngsters in Bradford had both doses of the MMR vaccine by their fifth birthday in 2023-24.

This was a decrease from 83.6 per cent the previous year - and below the 95 per cent target set by the World Health Organisation.

It meant Bradford had the lowest uptake rate across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Sarah Muckle, director of Public Health at Bradford Council, said: "Partners across Bradford are working hard to increase uptake of the MMR vaccine and to ensure as many children as possible are protected against these diseases. 

"For example, our immunisation team has been working in schools across the district to offer the MMR to children who aren't yet vaccinated. 

"We have also been working with our community groups to develop an initiative designed to help women and their families find out about all the support they can access from the NHS to help themselves and their child. 

"This includes information on what to do if they are concerned about their child while pregnant, health checks during pregnancy, and support - including immunisations and when to access these - after their child is born. 

"People can access this by visiting www.HelpForYouAndBaby.org."

Nationally, 83.9 per cent of five-year-olds were fully vaccinated against MMR last year - down from 84.5 per cent the year before and the lowest level since 2010-11.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "I encourage all parents to take up the offer of vaccinations for their children at the right time, to give them the best protection from preventable diseases.

"Childhood vaccines prevent babies and children from suffering needlessly and can even be life-saving."

Separate figures from the UKHSA show there were 2,465 confirmed cases of measles across the country from January to September 9 this year. More than half of these were recorded among children under 11.

The capital had the most confirmed measles cases, with 1,177. 

There were 83 recorded in Yorkshire and the Humber, including 17 in Bradford.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: "We would advise parents to urgently check their child’s vaccination records and ensure they’re protected from becoming seriously unwell."