Update of Childhood Immunisation Uptake Rates: up to 31^st December 2005

The latest childhood immunisation uptake rates are published today (13^th of March 2006, 9.30h) at:

http://www.isdscotland.org/Child_Immunisations

This release presents:

• Percentage coverage for children aged 12 & 24 months and pre-school booster rates by NHS Board and Scotland, for the evaluation quarter 1^st October to 31^st December 2005 and evaluation year 1^st January to 31^st December 2005.
• Analysis showing uptake rates over time in groups of children as they age.   Presented are charts for both diphtheria and MMR by quarterly birth cohorts for Scotland as at 31^st December 2005.

Key points:

• At a Scotland level, quarterly uptake rates at 12 months of age for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hib and MenC remain above 95%.  This varies across individual NHS board area. 
• At a Scotland Level, quarterly uptake rates at 24 months of age for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hib and MenC have remained relatively stable with rates around 96% to 97%.
• The MMR uptake rate at 24 months for children born in the 4^th quarter of 2003 is 90.7%.  This is 0.7% higher than the previous quarter when the rate was 90.0% (born 3^rd quarter 2003).  Uptake of MMR at 24 months has seen an increase across the majority of NHS Boards.
• The uptake of MMR at 24 months for children born in the whole of 2003 is 89.9%.  This is an increase of 1.6% from the previous year (born in 2002) when the rate was 88.3%. 
• The uptake of the MMR Pre-school booster at 6 years, for children born in the 4th quarter of 1999 is 88.3%. 

Background

• These pages are updated on a quarterly basis where the latest available primary immunisation uptake rates are presented.
• The primary vaccination programme should be completed by 6 months of age with the exception of MMR.  MMR can be given at any age over 12 months and is normally scheduled between 12-15 months of age.
• The national target rate as set out by the Scottish Executive is 95% uptake among children by the age of 2 for each of the seven primary immunisation programmes (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, haemophilus influenzae type b (hib), MenC, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The current childhood immunisation schedule is as follows:

When to immunise	What vaccine is given	How it is given
Two, three and four months old Around 13 months old	Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Hib (DTaP/IPV/Hib)* MenC Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)	One injection One injection One injection
Three Years four months to five years old	Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio (dTaP/IPV or DTaP/IPV) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)	One injection One injection

*Prior to September 2004 DTP-Hib and Oral Polio Vaccine were given.

• This is an ISDScotland National Statistics release. National Statistics are produced to high professional standards and adhere to codes of practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.
• ISDScotland collects, collates and maintains a wide range of health service data sets, which form the national corporate database for NHSScotland. By providing information, statistical services and effective use of information management and technology, ISDScotland contributes to health improvement by informing decision-making, research and debate within the NHSScotland, government departments and other organisations. Information Services (ISDScotland) is part of NHS National Services Scotland. For more information about ISDScotland see the ISD Scotland website:http://www.isdscotland.org

For further information contact :

Elaine Strange
Child Health Information Team
Health Care Information Group
elaine.strange@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk
phone 0131 275 6822

Simon Fraser
Child Health Information Team
Health Care Information Group
simon.fraser@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk
phone 0131 275 6288