MORE Swindon parents are choosing the controversial measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine than in most other parts of the country.

According to newly-published Department of Health figures, 95.4 per cent of all children in the town reaching the age of two in the last year had completed their MMR course.

This only just reaches the 95 per cent coverage that experts say is enough to create so-called herd immunity to prevent outbreaks.

The figure shows a marked increase from last year's 87 per cent, and is far above the current national average of 90.9 per cent.

Uptake of the vaccine in London is particularly low, with the 10 smallest percentages for childhood immunisations being in London boroughs.

The lowest figure was recorded by Haringey Primary Care Trust, which achieved just 68 per cent.

Haringey was followed by Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust with 70 per cent.

The British Medical Association described the figures as worrying.

A spokeswoman said: "Obviously there is a huge challenge to reassure parents of the safety of MMR.

"But the overwhelming consensus amongst medical professionals is that it is safe.

"Somehow we have to find a way to convince people to have their children vaccinated.

"The figures have been foreshadowed over the last few months in various reports.

"But it is worrying. The health risk is very real."

Areas with the highest coverage rates were Kettering Primary Care Group, which achieved a 100 per cent immunisation rate, followed by Bromsgrove Primary Care Group with 98.6 per cent.

The MMR vaccination was introduced in 1989 and experts credit it with ensuring there have been no deaths from measles since 1990.

Children should receive the jab at 15 months and again between the ages of three and five.

Concern about the safety of the MMR vaccine follows research from Dr Andrew Wakefield, which suggested a possible link between the vaccine and cases of autism.