Uptake for the vaccine in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has risen to 96%, exceeding the national target and one of the highest rates in Scotland.

The board has attributed the rise to outbreaks of measles in countries including France, Spain and Romania which have led to deaths.

It said uptake had also risen steadily since 2003 after the Wakefield study, which suggested a link between the vaccine and autism, was discounted.

NHSGGC uptake rates by the age of five years have risen from an all-time low of 86.8% in 2003 to 96.2%.

The fall and rise reflects the controversy about the MMR vaccine following a study published in the medical journal Lancet by Wakefield et al in 1998 that suggested there was a link between the MMR vaccine, bowel disease and autism. Subsequent studies found no evidence to support the claim.

The vaccine also protects against mumps, and rubella, also called German measles.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Syed Ahmed said: "We are delighted the message that MMR vaccination is safe is getting across to parents.

"Over the last few years we have seen a significant rise in the number of children being immunised and that will go a long way in preventing outbreaks of the three diseases.

"None of these diseases is pleasant for children or young adults and measles can be particularly distressing and can often result in a hospital stay.

"The Wakefield study resulted in a lot of parents choosing not to have their children vaccination. However, evidence has shown overwhelmingly that the study was flawed."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk