AN ESTIMATED 260 children were not given the full MMR vaccine in Swindon in 2016/17.

It comes as health chiefs have warned about outbreaks of measles in Europe, urging parents to make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date.

The most recent figures show that in 2016/17, 92 per cent of children in Swindon had received the recommended two measles, mumps and rubella jabs.

It means an estimated 260 children turning five that year had not been vaccinated.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has warned that areas where less than 95 per cent of the population has been vaccinated are at greater risk of a measles outbreak.

Only four countries in the EU have hit the ECDPC target. Across the south west of the England, 90 per cent of children had received both MMR jabs in 2016/17 by the time they turned five.

Helen Donovan of the Royal College of Nursing said: “Measles is extremely infectious, especially where large crowds of people gather, such as at festivals or in towns.

"Thanks to vaccination it has become increasingly rare in the UK, but recent increases in infection rates show we can’t be complacent."

She urged parents to contact their GP to make sure their vaccinations were up to date: “The MMR vaccine is free. Getting immunised is quick and simple. An appointment with your practice nurse will only take a few minutes.”