The number of children in England receiving both doses of MMR vaccine in 2023-24 fell to its lowest level since 2010-11, according to figures published by NHS England.

The data showed 16.1 per cent of children who turned five between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024 did not get both doses, although 91.9 per cent were administered at least one dose.

One in nine children whose second birthday was in 2023-24 did not receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine, while one in 12 babies did not get all three doses of the 6-in-1 vaccine.

That vaccine protects against whooping cough and other diseases including diphtheria and polio.

The lowest level of MMR vaccine uptake was in London where just 73.1 per cent of children received both doses by the age of five, while 86.2 per cent received all three doses of the 6-in-1 vaccine by their first birthday.

There have also been 2,465 cases of measles this year, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Vaccines are our best form of protection against serious illness. I urge all parents to take up vaccinations to keep children safe as they return to the classroom or nursery this autumn.”