MEASLES vaccination rates in Swindon are some of the lowest in the area.

One in 10 Swindon five-year-olds have not had the second dose of the important Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Health chiefs have urged parents and young people to check that they have received the vital second dose.

It follows a spate of measles outbreaks across Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The highly infectious disease is now relatively rare, thanks in large part to the MMR vaccine - but there are fears it could be on the rise. There have been 32 confirmed cases in the region since the start of the year."

Dominic Mellon, consultant in communicable disease Control for Public Health England South West, 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."

Dr Julie Yates, PHE's lead consultant for screening and immunisation in the south west added: “The measles cases we are currently seeing in South West England 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.

“To be protected, you need to have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. The most important message to get out to anyone who may be concerned is that it is never too late to have MMR.

“We know that in the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area, vaccine uptake rates have improved in recent years, but these continue to remain below the 95% level required to provide population protection.  Uptake rates in previous years, particularly during the late 1990s/2000s, have at times been lower resulting in a particular risk now to young people aged 15 to 25 years who missed having their MMR at that time.

 “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 1 year of age and a second as part of the pre-school booster at three 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."

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles is a highly contagious condition. The common symptoms are similar to the common cold, as well as sore red eyes, a high temperature or a red-brown blotchy rash.

Dr Dominic Mellon of PHE said: "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."