THE latest figures in East Lancashire reveal that only 84 per cent of children have had the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine -- a figure which the Government describes as "dangerously low."
It recommends that 95 per cent of children need to be vaccinated to prevent the outbreaks of measles.
The increasing numbers of parents refusing to have the vaccination has been blamed on fears there is a link between the vaccination and autism.
Dr Andrew Wakefield, who headed a team of scientists at the Royal Free Hospital, in north London, triggered the scare by suggesting a gap of a year should be allowed so that a child's immune system was not overloaded.
Although his views were heavily criticised and repeat studies since have shown no link between MMR and autism, Dr Wakefield findings have been a concern for parents since.
The row also coincides with the controversy over whether Prime Minister Tony Blair has allowed his baby, Leo, to receive the jab, although his recent indications to journalists suggests he has.
When the story about Mr Blair's son broke, MMR vaccinations rates plummeted from a national average of 95 per cent. Some parts of London are as low as 65 per cent.
The result is an outbreak of measles in South London with test results revealing that up to 29 children could be affected.
Despite this parents are still adamant that their children will not have the jab. They are calling for three separate injections -- although health experts have warned that they would not be as effective. It would also be more expensive
But opponents of the MMR said there should be choice -- whatever the cost.
Nigel Robinson, chief officer of the Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley Community Health Council, said: "There are still a lot of parents that are still very concerned about the triple vaccine and are not prepared to let their children have it.
"If that is the case they should be able to have the vaccine individually."
Public Health minister Yvette Cooper, stressed that costs was not an issue and said the Government was following the advice of medical experts.
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