Protect your child against measles

The call comes as latest figures show Kent and Medway MMR vaccine rates remain below the 95% level recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent outbreaks.

Measles spreads really easily and can be a very serious illness, even life-threatening, for some.

Having both doses of the vaccine provides protection and prevents others getting infected.

In total, 82.9% of five-year-olds in Kent - 82.8% in Medway - had both doses of MMR by the end of March this year.

How to check your child's vaccination record

• Check your child's Red Book
• Can't find the book? Contact your GP surgery

Where to get vaccinated if your child has missed MMR vaccinations

• Children should have been vaccinated before starting primary school
• If they have not had two doses, contact your GP practice
• Visit NHS Kent and Medway's www.GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk website to find out more

Dr Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway's chief medical officer, said: "MMR uptake in Kent and Medway is below the target of 95% and we need parents and carers to take action now. They may have concerns about the vaccine, they may have read things that are not right, but it is safe and effective.

“If your child catches measles, it can have a huge impact on their life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, need hospital treatment, and even experience life-long complications and disability.

“Please check your child’s Red Book or contact your GP practice to see if they are up to date. Children will need both doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected.”

Young children born on or after 1 January 2025 now have the MMRv vaccine to additionally protect against chickenpox.

Kent County Council's Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: "Thanks to everyone who has already got their family vaccinated against measles.

"We also know from latest figures that more children in Kent and Medway can be protected from this nasty disease with just two doses of the MMRv or MMR vaccine. Getting vaccinated also helps protect others who can’t have the vaccine.

KCC's Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, Jamie Henderson, said: "It's perfectly understandable parents and carers may have questions about vaccinations for their children - and it's important to get your answers from trusted places, like your GP surgery or NHS online.

"Getting the young people in your life vaccinated against measles can also help protect others who are at greatest risk from the disease. This includes pregnant women, children under one and individuals with a weakened immune system - perhaps from serious illness or recovery from cancer treatment."

Professor David Whiting, Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, but it is also easily preventable. Ensuring your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect them from serious illness and help stop the spread of infection in our communities.

“As children return to school and mix with friends, it is important that parents and carers check their child’s vaccination record. If they have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, now is the perfect time to catch up. Please contact your GP practice for advice and support.”