By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated 13:30, Monday, 01 December 2008

Parents in Cumbria are being urged to get their children vaccinated against the potentially-deadly measles bug.

Nigel Calvert: Concern

Figures published on Friday showed that in the past year cases across England and Wales topped the 1,000 mark for the first time since 2005.

The Health Protection Agency believes this is due to a reduced uptake of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine, which has been surrounded in national controversy.

This followed claims that the jab could be linked to autism – which have since been dismissed because there was no credible evidence.

But nonetheless, the fears surrounding the vaccine back in 2001 prompted many parents to opt out, leaving their children unprotected.

In 2008 there have already been substantial outbreaks in Lancashire and Cheshire, one of which is still ongoing, and a total of 107 cases in the north west region between January and October this year.

Although there have been no confirmed cases in Cumbria since 2005, experts are concerned that it is spreading fast.

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses and the latest figures show that by the age of two, 90 per cent Cumbrian children have received one dose. By the time they turn five, 87 percent have completed their two-jab course.

These figures are amongst the highest in England but are still well below the recommended 95 per cent.

Earlier this year, the Department of Health has asked the NHS to focus on offering MMR vaccine to children and young people aged 13 months to 18 years who have not had it.

This includes those who are about to go off to college and university, where infectious diseases are prone to spread.

Dr Nigel Calvert, an associate director of public health at NHS Cumbria, said people cannot afford to be complacent.“I am concerned that we get as many children as possible fully protected.”

Anyone who is concerned should speak to their GP or visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk or www.hpa.org.uk.