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# Suffolk misses target for MMR vaccination
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/suffolk-misses-target-for-mmr-vaccination/
- Published: 2024-09-27T07:11:57.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:34:25.000Z
- Description: Suffolk fell short of the World Health Organisation's 95% target for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage in children last year. However, the county's rate improved and remains one of the highest in the East of England.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Health & Care Services, #article, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date amid concerns of a potential surge in diseases like measles as children return to school.

![A child about to be given the MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccination into their arm by a surgery nurse](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1727084196-mmr-vaccine-2.jpg)

A child about to be given the MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccination into their arm by a surgery nurse Photo: Ed Maynard (Getty Images)

**By the numbers:**

- 90.2% of Suffolk children had both MMR doses by age 5 in 2023-24
- This is up from 89.1% the previous year
- The national average is 83.9%, the lowest since 2010-11
- In the East of England, 87.7% had both doses

**Why it matters:** Vaccination protects individual children and helps prevent the spread of diseases to more vulnerable people.

**What they're saying:** Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, 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."

**The bottom line:** While Suffolk's MMR vaccination rate is improving and above the national average, health officials stress the importance of reaching the 95% target to ensure community protection.

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