A lead immunisation specialist in North Cumbria is urging parents to get their children vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).

Gayle Howarth, the specialist nurse for Immunisation at the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the severity of these diseases and the importance of receiving the jab.

She said: "Measles is more than just a rash; it is a serious, potentially life-changing condition that spreads very easily.

"It can lead to severe illness and even death in children. For pregnant women, it can cause premature birth, low birth weight and still births.

“However, measles, as well as mumps and rubella, is preventable, so if you or your child have not had your MMR jab, it is really important that you come forward.”

To achieve maximum life-long protection, two doses of the free MMR vaccine are recommended, where the first dose is scheduled around the child's first birthday, and the second dose is given at around three years and four months old.

Anyone who missed receiving the vaccine as a child can catch up with the doses at any point in time.

Measles symptoms usually start with cold-like symptoms, developing into a rash a few days later.

Other symptoms may include small spots in the mouth, resulting in discomfort.

Rising cases of measles across the country have urged the NHS to encourage parents to ensure their children get the vaccine.

More than 3.4 million children aged under 16 are at risk, NHS England has warned.

Similar campaigns last winter have already increased vaccinations by 10 per cent.

The low vaccination rates can also be attributed to difficulties in scheduling convenient appointments with GPs.

Ms Howarth said: "In Cumbria, our children’s vaccination teams are also working hard to identify unvaccinated children and support them in receiving their vaccines and that is why nationally head teachers in some areas are now working with the NHS to run clinics in schools, where the children are."

The trust said if anyone suspects they have measles to make an urgent GP appointment or seek help from NHS 111.

Those unsure whether their child has had the MMR vaccine should contact their GP practice, as catching up with missed doses is easy at any age.