Measles / MMR vaccination

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Over 102,000 children starting primary school in England are at risk of catching measles

With millions of children across the country going back to school this week, NHS England is urging parents to check that their children are up to date with their MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccinations in the wake of measles cases rising across the country.

Childhood vaccination rates have fallen over the past ten years and this week statistics show that over 102,000 children aged four and five years old starting in reception are not protected against catching measles, mumps and rubella.

Measles is highly infectious and if left unvaccinated nine out of ten children in a classroom can catch the disease if just one child is infectious.

If you are unsure if you or your child are up to date, check your child's red book or GP records and make an appointment to catch up any missed doses.

Further information

For more information on the NHS vaccination schedule, please visit NHS vaccinations and when to have them