MORE parents in Kirklees are having their children immunised with the MMR vaccine than is average for Yorkshire, says a new study.

The research by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) shows an 84.6% uptake in South Huddersfield, 80% in North Kirklees and 78.7% in Huddersfield Central.

The figure for Yorkshire and Humberside as a whole is 76% and in Calderdale, 71.2%.

Craven, Harrogate and Rural District has the lowest uptake at 52.8% and Barnsley the highest at 86.9%

The study looks at the percentage of children immunised by their fifth birthday, using data from the Department of Health's Immunisation Statistics 2004-2005.

CSP chair of council Sarah Bazin said:

"Measles, mumps and rubella are highly contagious diseases and can have devastating long-term consequences.

"While the research that sparked controversy over the MMR jab has been discredited, uptake remains patchy across the country, showing that when panic and confusion reign, public health can be seriously compromised."

She added: "This study demonstrates the absolute necessity of getting healthcare messages correct."