Shocking Figures Reveal Low Up-take of Teenage Booster Vaccine

12.00.00am GMT Thu 9th Oct 2008

Children in some of Wales' poorest areas are being failed by the Labour/Plaid Government, suggests a leading member of the National Assembly for Wales.

Michael German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, revealed figures showing massive differences in the uptake of a life-saving vaccine for teenagers in different areas of Gwent.

The Teenage 3 in 1 booster offers protection from Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio, usually offered at schools.

Mr. German was speaking after figures released from the National Public Health Service for Wales which showed a wide variation in vaccination rates in the Gwent area.

In Blaenau Gwent, only 5.8% of teenagers have taken this up yet in neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil, just several miles away, take-up rates are over eight-in-ten.

Mr German added: "Offering boosters in schools ensure a much higher take up especially amongst children from poorer backgrounds. These figures are quite shocking: in Gwent, schools stopped giving the vaccine often assuming that that GPs were picking up the slack as has happened elsewhere.

"Even if these problems are now being addressed, it is scandalous that in the 21st century, a situation like this can be allowed to arise. Thousands of children may have missed out on this vaccine that offers protection from three very serious diseases.

"The Government must make sure that a situation as serious as this never happens again."