Measles cases are continuing to rise across England.

Millions of parents, carers and young adults in England are being contacted to book missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines to protect those at risk from becoming seriously unwell.

Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age, and can cause complications such as meningitis, sepsis and blindness. If caught during pregnancy it can be very serious causing stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight.

There is no medical treatment for measles; MMR vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. Two doses of the safe, effective and free MMR vaccine are needed for maximum life-long protection, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old.

However, anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses and it’s never too late to protect yourself.

If you or your child have not had both dose of the MMR vaccine contact your GP surgery to book an appointment as soon as possible and catch up.

For more information on symptoms, and protecting you and your family, visit the NHS website.