ARE YOUR kids one of the 5,000 in the south west who haven't received all of their MMR vaccinations?

If so they could be at risk from diseases that can disable and even kill, the NHS is warning.

At 96 per cent coverage for the first dose of the MMR vaccine - which protects against measles, mumps and rubella - Bournemouth borough is doing well. But the all-important coverage slips to just over 90 per cent for children who have received both doses, which are necessary to give maximum protection.

Poole does better with 97 per cent of young children having their initial jab, with 94 per cent taking up the full protection. The worst MMR coverage in the south west is seen in Bristol where just 86 per cent of children have had their second MMR.

As children prepare to start primary school early next month Public Health England parents to check their child’s Red Book to ensure their children are up-to-date with scheduled immunisations. Two doses of MMR in a lifetime are needed for a person to be considered fully protected.

Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation for Public Health England South West, said:

“It’s a real concern that so many young children in our region could be starting school without the full protection that the NHS childhood immunisation programme offers for free. We know that parents want the best protection for their children and so many may be unaware that their child is not up-to-date. We’re urging all parents of primary school starters to check their child’s Red Book now to make sure there is a record of two MMR doses and the 4-in-1 booster vaccine. If not, parents should contact their GP practice to arrange any further vaccinations that are needed.

n For more information about vaccinations, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations.