THE uptake of the MMR vaccine has increased to its highest level in the past 12 years in Wales.

Bosses from the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) have welcomed the rise, but have warned the target needed to protect youngsters from potentially fatal diseases is still not being met.

The latest NPHS cover report, which looks at all routine childhood immunisations in youngsters living Wales-wide between July and September, shows the increase.

During this quarter, the uptake of the first dose of MMR in children reaching their second birthday reached 92 per cent — the highest level in 12 years.

Meanwhile, the uptake of the second dose of the MMR jab in children reaching their fifth birthday rose to its highest rate — 86 per cent — during the same timescale.

But the target stands at 95 per cent to ensure "herd immunity" that is designed to wipe out measles, mumps and rubella in Wales.

Calls have been made for mums and dads whose children are not vaccinated to take action now.

It follows a Wales-wide outbreak of measles back in May — which became the largest outbreak in Britain since the rolling out of the MMR jab back in 1988.

Around 400 youngsters across Wales have contracted measles — with 42 needing hospital treatment.

Richard Roberts, head of the NPHS vaccine preventable disease programme, said: "These figures are very encouraging.

"However, uptake is still not high enough to guarantee outbreaks of measles, mumps and rubella will no longer happen in Wales, and parents need to remember these diseases can cause serious complications, and even death.

"We are therefore reminding any parent whose child has not yet received two doses of MMR and is overdue for these vaccinations that they should speak to their GP, practice nurse or health visitor."

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, added: "I welcome the increase in vaccination rates."