THE TAYSIDE uptake of the controversial MMR jag has improved, but remains well below Scottish Executive targets.

NHS Tayside confirmed yesterday that the local rate for immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) remains below the national target of 95%, at 90.7%.

Despite this NHS Tayside said the uptake for MMR vaccination is higher than in other parts of the country.

Specialists in the region have recently confirmed that most parents are making the effort to get MMR immunisation for their children.

Dr Christopher McGuigan, NHS Tayside consultant in public health medicine, said, “Our current uptake figure for MMR vaccinations is more than 90% and this means nearly all parents are happy to accept our offer of MMR immunisation for their children.

“It is the most effective way to protect children from potentially serious infections and we encourage parents to have their children vaccinated.”

MSP Marlyn Glen said the Executive’s campaign to promote immunisation against MMR was working.

“The Scottish Executive, having considered the evidence, regards MMR as the safest and most effective way of protecting children against these three serious diseases, and the immunisation rate against MMR in Scotland has risen,” she said.

In a recent parliamentary question to the Executive, Ms Glen asked for an update on child immunisation in Dundee.

The target for uptake on immunisation against diseases like tetanus and meningitis C is 95%.

Figures up to June showed the uptake in Dundee for diphtheria, HIB and polio was 96.5%, tetanus and pertussis 96.8%, and meningitis C 97.1%.

Ms Glen praised parents and health staff in Dundee.