Text, email and letter reminders are being sent to parents and carers to highlight the importance of routine vaccinations and encouraging families to book their child in for MMR vaccines.

The parents and carers of 750,000 one to six-year-olds who have not yet had one or both doses of the MMR vaccine are being contacted to encourage them to make an appointment at the GP.

Statistics show that one in ten children are not up to date with their MMR vaccines.

Children get two doses on the MMR jab, one around the first birthday and the second dose given around three years and four months. Both doses are required to ensure full protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

1.5 million parents of two to three-year-olds have also been invited to book a flu jab. Where possible, children can get a flu jab and MMR jab at the same time.

Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, said: “Measles, mumps and rubella easily spread between unvaccinated people and can be very serious, so it is important that parents make sure their children are protected against MMR as they return to school, and are up to date with their flu vaccination if eligible as we head into the winter months.

“The MMR vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines in the world, with millions of doses given every year – it is safe for your child, and will protect them, their friends and the wider community from these unpleasant but preventable diseases. If your child hasn’t been vaccinated yet, or is not up to date with their vaccinations, please contact your GP to book an appointment.”

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