Parents are being urged to protect their children from serious illness by medical experts.

NHS Dorset has issued a reminder to parents to get their children vaccinated from measles, mumps and rubella, diseases which can cause serious illness. 

The diseases can all be vaccinated for with the MMR jab and medical experts are advising parents to 'do so at the earliest opportunity' to protect them specifically from measles.

This comes after an increase in cases across the country.

Chief Medical Officer for NHS Dorset, Dr Paul Johnson, said: “We are fortunate that in Dorset we currently do not have any outbreaks of measles, however, I would ask any parents or carers who are aware their child is not protected to speak to their GP or contact 111 either online or by phone for advice.

“Measles is a serious illness, which sees one in five children with disease having to be admitted to hospital for treatment, so if you or your child have not had your MMR jab, please do so at the earliest opportunity.”

Rachel Partridge, deputy director of Public Health Dorset, added: “The sharp rise in measles cases in other parts of the country is a reminder of how quickly this virus spreads, and it’s a concern because measles can cause serious complications in some people.

"We have a highly effective MMR vaccine which provides lifelong protection against measles after two doses, but we have seen vaccination rates declining in recent years.

“MMR is a routine childhood vaccination, so the good news is most people will already be protected. You can catch up on your MMR vaccine at any time, so if you or your child has missed yours or you’re not sure if you’re vaccinated, please speak to your GP practice.”