PEOPLE in Dorset are being urged to get themselves protected following outbreaks of measles in parts of Europe.

Among countries affected is France, which has a direct ferry link with Poole. The country has had more than 4,000 reported cases this year.

Anyone who has not had measles, or who only had one dose of MMR vaccine as a child, may be at risk – especially if they are planning to travel to Europe over the summer.

Although most people recover from measles with no problems, a significant number develop complications and the disease can lead to death.

Denise Winter, immunisations advisor in NHS Dorset’s public health team, said: “We are lucky in Dorset that despite a few recent occurrences, cases are still very rare.

“However, there are still areas of the county where take-up of the MMR vaccination is still quite low.

“With the holiday season approaching, we are reminding parents that it is extremely important to get their children protected against this disease.

“Measles is highly infectious and can be very serious, so we would urge everyone who hasn’t yet received the vaccination to speak to their GP.”

Lindley Owen, consultant in public health at NHS Bournemouth and Poole, said: “We are fortunate that in Bournemouth and Poole we have had no recent cases of measles.

“However, we need to stay vigilant, and for those who have never had measles, mumps or rubella (German measles), vaccination is the only sure way to be protected.”

There are no age restrictions on receiving the vaccination, and it can be free to anyone in an at-risk group – children and students who have never been, or aren’t fully, immunised; and anyone not immunised who is travelling to Europe. GPs may charge adults for the MMR.

Immunity does not start developing until two weeks after the jab, so people are advised to book in plenty of time for their holiday.

At one time, measles affected up to 800,000 people a year in the UK, but since the introduction of MMR in 1988, the number of cases has fallen dramatically.

Children usually have the first dose soon after their first birthday and the second at three.