PARENTS and young people in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire are being asked to check they are covered by the MMR vaccine following a rise of cases in the area.

The appeal from Public Health England (PHE) follows a rise of Measles, Mumps and Rubella in the South West, with the public being advised to check they have received two doses in their lifetime.

The reminder comes during European Immunisation Week April 23-29, which promotes the core message that immunisation is vital to prevent diseases and protect life.

As part of the rise in cases, PHE have confirmed it is working with a number of settings and local authorities in the area to investigate reports of measles.

A highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications, Measles is now uncommon in the UK because of the effective MMR vaccination programme. Although usually a mild illness in children, measles can be more severe in adults.

Dominic Mellon, PHE South West consultant in communicable disease control, said: “While measles is now relatively uncommon in England thanks to the MMR vaccine, those who are unvaccinated, or not fully vaccinated, remain susceptible to the disease.

“The cases we have seen recently in the area have affected young adults. It is important to be aware that it is never too late to have the vaccine, so if you’ve not received two doses of the vaccine in the past – or you’re unsure – speak to your GP. There’s no harm in receiving an additional dose where there is any uncertainty.

“Also remain alert to the symptoms of measles, which can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature or a red-brown blotchy rash. If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention, but be sure to phone ahead before you visit your GP surgery so arrangements can be made to prevent others from being infected.

“You should also see your GP if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’ve not been fully vaccinated.”

Dr Julie Yates, lead consultant for screening and immunisation in the South West added that the cases they have been seeing are linked to ongoing large outbreaks in Europe.

People who have recently travelled, or are planning to travel to Romania, Italy and Germany and other parts of Europe, and who have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, are particularly at risk of acquiring the infection whilst abroad, developing the infection once they return home and then spreading it to other susceptible people.

She added that since January 1, 32 cases have been confirmed in the South West, compared to no confirmed cases during the same period between January and March 2017, and that while vaccination rates have improved in recent years, it continued to be below the 95 per cent level required to provide population protection.

“This current increase in cases serves as an important reminder for parents to take up the routine offer of the first MMR vaccination for their children at one year of age and a second as part of the pre-school booster at thee years and four months of age.

“Children and young adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine in the past, or who are unsure if they have had two doses of MMR, should also contact their GP practice to request these vaccines to bring them up to date.

“We’d also encourage people of any age that is travelling to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks to ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccines before they go abroad”