Public health officials have warned that there could be a surge of measles cases as the new school term begins in September.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that parents should prioritise vaccine catch-up appointments over the summer holidays, as the latest data continues to show high levels of measles cases across the country.
The latest figures show that there have been another 145 measles cases in the past four weeks, mainly in children under the age of 10 living in London (48% of cases) and the North West of England (16% of cases).
Over this year so far, there have been 674 laboratory confirmed cases of measles in England.
There has also been a global increase in measles over the past year and the UKHSA warned that holiday travel and international visits this summer could lead to rising measles cases in England when the new school term begins.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: ‘The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins. It is never too late to catch up. Do not put it off and regret it later.
‘Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences.
‘Two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems cannot have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them.’
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: ‘Vaccination is the best protection against measles, which is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems. The MMR vaccine is provided free by the NHS and I would urge all parents to check their child’s vaccination records before the new school year or summer travel, particularly as Europe is reporting the highest number of measles cases in 25 years.
‘While the NHS delivered tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccinations last year, too many eligible children remain unvaccinated, and we are working with local authorities and the UK Health Security Agency to reach more youngsters, with enhanced vaccination offers in areas with higher cases, including vaccination buses and community catch-up sessions.’
It comes as NHS England has also urged pregnant women to protect their babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by getting vaccinated.
The RSV vaccination was first offered to pregnant women in England last year, and has helped protect more than 300,000 mothers and babies, according to NHS England.
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: ‘While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation.
‘Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating.’
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has also recently recommended that the RSV vaccination programme be expanded to those over the age of 80.
The NHS began the rollout of a gonorrhoea vaccination in sexual health clinics this week.
