PUBLIC fears about the MMR vaccine mean the number of youngsters being immunised is still falling, say health bosses in Bournemouth.

And there is growing concern that the situation could get even worse with government plans to introduce a new five-in-one jab for babies.

Bournemouth Teaching Primary Care Trust has not met national targets for children aged two to get their first MMR dose due to continuing controversy about the vaccine, according to chief executive Debbie Fleming.

Targets for five-year-olds receiving their pre-school booster are currently being met, but the numbers are dropping every year, she warned yesterday at a meeting of the trust board.

Health chiefs blame the fall in uptake on negative publicity following speculation that the MMR vaccine might be linked with autism.

"Despite the robust research evidence to refute this alleged link, public confidence has wavered and MMR uptake locally and nationally has declined," said Ms Fleming.

Some board members fear the introduction of the new five-in-one vaccine will only increase public fear still further.

The government has announced that infants will receive a combined jab for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib from September this year.

Dr Carol Linnard said it seemed "insensitive" to bring in the new jab after the controversy that surrounded the old vaccine.

Debbie Fleming told the board that a detailed action plan is now being drawn up to try to tackle fears among both parents and health professionals.