Health bosses in Bradford are reminding parents of the importance of vaccinating their children against measles, mumps and rubella, following an increase in cases of measles in England over the last few weeks.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It is serious and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and, in a small number of cases, it can be fatal. School trips, family holidays and outdoor activities all raise the risk of measles infection as increased close contact during the holidays can allow the virus to spread more easily.

Some recent cases in the UK have been linked with travel to France and other parts of Europe which have reported measles cases in 2011.

Parents can protect their children against measles by ensuring they have been immunised with two doses of MMR.

Linda Scott, vaccination lead for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “Making sure you’re protected from measles with the MMR vaccination is important at any time, but especially with the holiday season starting and people travelling to countries which have outbreaks.

“Measles is a highly infectious and serious illness, but one that can fortunately be prevented by people having two doses of the three-in-one measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination.

“It is important that all parents check that their children have had two doses of the vaccination, if they are over three years and four months – one does not fully protect against measles. "

Parents should also check that teenagers aged 14 have had their booster jab at school for tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

If they have not had this, pupils should see their school nurse or GP to get long-term protection from these diseases.

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