A Cumbrian Council has praised parents in the area for having their children vaccinated against measles and is encouraging anyone not already protected to come forward for vaccination, after a recent increase in cases in England.

Nationally, uptake of the routine childhood vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine is the lowest it has been in a decade and is well below the 95 percent uptake needed to protect the population and prevent outbreaks.

This is giving this serious disease a chance to get a foothold in communities.

However, vaccination rates across Cumbria remain above the national average and is in line with the 95 percent threshold.

Katrina Stephens, Director of Public Health at Westmorland and Furness Council said: “It’s really pleasing to see vaccination rates in Cumbria remain high and currently we have had no confirmed cases of measles in our area.

“Of course it’s really important that we do not take this for granted but parents in Cumbria have done a great job at vaccinating their children so far.

“If you’re unsure if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check your child’s personal child health record (PCHR), known as the red book, or contact your GP practice. People may also be able to check their vaccination status on the NHS App.

“It’s never too late to catch up either. The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS, whatever your age.

“If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.

“Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination history, should log in to the NHS app or speak to their GP.”

Having two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine at the right time with dose 1 from 12 months and dose 2 from 3 years 4 months, is the best way to protect your child and help prevent it spreading, especially to those most vulnerable.

The MMR vaccine gives you excellent lifelong protection.

Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated and can be a very unpleasant illness.

In some children it can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases tragically can cause death.

People in certain risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.

Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash.

If you are concerned that your child has measles, please contact your GP and limit contact with others.