PARENTS across Sedgemoor are being advised to take up the MMR vaccination for their children.

A national catch-up programme to increase MMR vaccination uptake in children and teenagers has been announced this week by Public Health England, NHS England and the Department of Health.

The aim of the programme is to prevent measles outbreaks by vaccinating as many unvaccinated and partially vaccinated 10-16 year olds as possible, in time for the next school year.

In Somerset, there were 16 confirmed cases of measles in 2012 and one confirmed case so far in 2013.

Trudi Grant, Acting Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council, said: “Measles is a potentially fatal but entirely preventable disease, so it is very disappointing that we have seen an increase in numbers of cases.

“The catch-up programme recommends that we specifically target young people most at risk. Those who have not been vaccinated should urgently seek at least one dose of MMR vaccination which will give them 95% protection against measles. A second dose is then needed to provide almost complete protection.

“Measles is not a mild illness - it is very unpleasant and can lead to serious complications, with around one in 10 children who get measles being admitted to hospital.

“Signs to look out for include a few days of cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash with high fever and possibly red eyes and a cough. In some people it can cause pneumonia and ear infections and in rare cases, people can die from measles.

“It’s never too late to protect against measles. Parents of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children, teenagers and young adults should urgently arrange to get vaccinated by their GP.

“If you are unsure whether your child has had two doses of the vaccine, speak to your GP who will have a record.”

For further information visit NHS choices at www.nhs.uk.