Although the number of Hertfordshire children vaccinated against measles is higher than the national average, Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health department is urging parents to ensure that any unprotected children are vaccinated as soon as possible.

All children should have received two doses of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine by the age of five. In Hertfordshire nearly 95 per cent of two year old children have had their first dose of the MMR vaccine and 92 per cent of five year old children have received the recommended two doses. However, this leaves a small percentage of children unprotected.

Dr Raymond Jankowski, Deputy Director of Public Health, said: “I understand that many people had real concerns about giving their children MMR vaccinations. However, research which showed a link between MMR and autism has now been completely discredited and I would urge everyone to ensure that they and their children are vaccinated. Measles is a very infectious disease and can lead to pneumonia and encephalitis. In extremely rare cases it can even be fatal.

“At present, your risk of exposure to the disease is quite low unless you are travelling to areas where there is an outbreak but vaccination is important to reduce your future vulnerability.

“If you or your children have not been vaccinated, or if you are not certain whether you have been vaccinated or not, I recommend that you make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. If you are not registered with a doctor please contact your nearest surgery who should be able to help.

“The first symptoms of measles are cold-like symptoms, red eyes which are sensitive to light, a high temperature and greyish-white spots in the mouth and throat. These are followed a few days later by a red-brown spotty rash on the head and neck. If you or your child develop these symptoms it’s important that you contact your doctor immediately.”

There were 12 confirmed cases of measles in Hertfordshire in the 12 months to the end of March 2013, all in children under the age of 15.