Medical experts have voiced concern at the continued reduction in the number of youngsters receiving the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in Scotland.

The latest statistics showed that the uptake for the controversial triple jab was running at 87.3% - compared to 88.6% in the previous quarter.

The number of two-year-olds who have received the MMR injection is higher than at the end of September last year, when the figure stood at 86.9%.

The fact that there are still not enough children receiving the MMR jag is extremely worrying

Dr Bill O'Neill BMA

However, the British Medical Association said it was "extremely worrying" that the rate was still well below the recommended level of 95%.

Concern was also voiced by Chief Medical Officer Dr Mac Armstrong.

He said: "Today's statistics are a little disappointing but uptake remains higher than this time last year.

"Although I think we are seeing a levelling off of uptake rates of MMR, it is reassuring that nearly nine out of 10 parents are choosing to protect their children with MMR."

Some parents fear that the three-in-one vaccine could be responsible for a rise in child autism.

Most effective

However, government experts have rejected the link and argue that not having the vaccine poses greater risks.

Dr Bill O'Neill, the Scottish secretary of the BMA, said it believed the combined injection to be the most effective way of protecting children against the three potentially fatal diseases.

"The fact that there are still not enough children receiving the MMR jag is extremely worrying," he said.

Parents' concerns

"It is essential that the Scottish Executive work with the medical profession to regain the confidence of parents and immunisation rates to increase in the coming year."

He said the BMA understood parents' concerns about the vaccine and fears for their children.

But Dr O'Neill stressed: "The evidence in favour of MMR warrants its use.

"Our belief continues to be that parents who want to protect their children should make sure they get the triple dose MMR and they should discuss any concerns with their health visitors and GPs."