A quarter of children in Colchester and a fifth of youngsters in the Tendring area are NOT immunised against the three childhood illnesses measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
The Health Protection Agency figures have fuelled fears the district could see an increase in cases of the conditions over the coming years.
Children, parents and health staff are joining forces to boost the number of youngsters who have the MMR jab. Children who are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting one or more of the diseases either as a child or in later life.
Colchester Primary Care Trust's (PCT) new campaign will raise awareness of the facts surrounding the MMR immunisation.
Dr Mike Gogarty, director of public health for Colchester and Tendring primary care trusts, said: "This campaign is another concerted attempt to get the facts about MMR out there in the wider community.
"Unfortunately, there are still a large number of people who think MMR is linked to autism, despite the resounding amount of research which proves the opposite."
Literature will be available from libraries, GP surgeries, hospitals and dentists.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article