Latest figures for the West Midlands show MMR uptake by age 5 is at 84.3%, well below the 95% World Health Organization threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, leaving children and young people potentially vulnerable to highly contagious illnesses.

The UK Health Security Agency says that measles cases have risen across the country this year, and unvaccinated children travelling abroad may import the virus, risking further local outbreaks.

Before starting full time education, every child should have received 2 doses of MMR, providing the strongest protection against measles, mumps and rubella. It takes around 2 weeks after vaccination for immunity to build, so families are urged to contact their GP practice without delay if an appointment has been missed or a child is unvaccinated.

Parents and carers can check their child’s immunisation record in their Red Book, via the NHS App, or by contacting their surgery directly. Timely vaccination not only protects the individual child but also helps safeguard infants under the age of one and other vulnerable people who cannot be immunised.

Katie Spence, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the West Midlands, said: “Measles is a nasty virus which spreads very quickly in communities where many children and adults are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. It can lead to serious health problems – tragically, in rare cases, it can even be fatal."

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, added: "Vaccinations save lives and stops outbreaks in their tracks, and so it is vital that every child in our city is protected against measles, mumps and rubella. Please check your child’s record today, and if any immunisations are due, contact your GP as soon as possible."

For further information on routine childhood immunisations, including MMR and other vaccinations, please visit Vaccinations.