An urgent call has been made to parents in Swindon and Wiltshire to ensure their children are fully vaccinated before they return to school.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West issued the plea as fears mount of a further surge in measles cases with the new academic year on the way.

In the South West, almost one in 10 children are not fully protected against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) by the time they start school.

The UKHSA has launched the second phase of its childhood immunisation marketing campaign after 28 cases of measles were reported in the South West since the start of the year.

Elsewhere in the UK, major measles outbreaks have hit the West Midlands, North West, and London, resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.

Professor Dominic Mellon, deputy regional director, UKHSA South West, said: "As a father and health professional, it is especially tragic to see kids suffering when these diseases are so easily preventable.

"Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles, but if unvaccinated, children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications. No parent wants this for their child."

A recent MMR Evaluation Report published by UKHSA shows more parents are getting their children vaccinated against MMR.

Between August 2023 and April 2024, the NHS delivered more than 180,000 additional doses, including more than 51,000 to children under five.

There was also a 13 per cent rise in previously unvaccinated children under five receiving the MMR vaccine.

However, MMR uptake rates are still too low in some areas of England, UKHSA said, and there is still potential to see outbreaks, particularly as children start mixing more on starting or returning to school.

Over the past decade, uptake levels of childhood vaccines offered through the routine NHS vaccination programme in England have been falling across all vaccines.

This includes those that protect against whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, meningitis and diphtheria.

Professor Mellon continued: "Our campaign will be visible across multi-media channels and sees children urging their parents to get them protected.

"Parents should check their child’s vaccinations red book to ensure they are up to date with MMR and all their vaccines.

"If unsure, contact your GP practice, who can check and provide the vaccinations your child needs. Don’t put it off, please act today."

The campaign will share the message “if children aren’t vaccinated, they’re not protected” with parents across the country for the next six weeks.

It is running with higher coverage in London, the West Midlands and the North West, where vaccine uptake is lowest.

Dr Alison Mackenzie, consultant in public health medicine and screening and immunisations lead for NHS England South West, said: "We’re making progress, but need to do more, especially to protect those who haven’t had their second dose.

"Each of those children is at higher risk, so I would urge parents to check that their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine and if they are unsure to contact their GP with the new school term about to begin."

Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, added: “Measles cases have spiked significantly in recent years and can spread quickly among those who are unvaccinated.

"It can be a serious and sometimes deadly disease. Vaccines are our best form of protection, and it is vital that children receive all their vaccinations.

"With the autumn term just around the corner, I am urging all parents to catch up on any missed jabs to keep children safe as they return to the classroom or nursery."