NHS Forth Valley is encouraging the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children, who have missed a dose, are encouraged to contact the local vaccination team to arrange an appointment.

Uptake of the MMR vaccine has declined across the UK in recent years and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles.

Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at 3 years 4 months. If it’s missed at these times, it can be given at any age.

Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. But you can prevent it by getting vaccinated.

Fiona Coan, NHS Forth Valley’s Immunisation Manager, said: “As measles cases continue to increase across other parts of the UK and Europe, we’re asking local people across Forth Valley, particularly parents of school aged children and young people in college or university, to check they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine to ensure they are fully protected.”

To arrange an appointment for a MMR vaccination or to speak to someone if you have any questions or queries about vaccination please contact NHS Forth Valley’s vaccination team by emailing fv.vaccinationenquiries@nhs.scot or calling 0800 130 3120 during office hours.

Further information on measles and how to check you / your child is fully protected can be found on MMR against measles | NHS inform.