In Shepton Mallet, parents are being urgently encouraged to update their children's MMR vaccinations due to a rise in measles cases nationally. The UK Health Security Agency's announcement of a national incident highlights the severity of the situation.

The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national incident following a significant rise in cases, particularly in the West Midlands.

NHS Digital data shows that Somerset's vaccination rate is below the World Health Organisation's target for herd immunity. The 2021-22 figures reveal only 91.1% of children in Somerset were fully vaccinated by their fifth birthday. This is a concern given that measles can lead to hospitalisation and, in rare cases, death, particularly in vulnerable groups like babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity.

The MP for Somerton and Frome, Sarah Dyke has highlighted the urgency of the situation, saying, "Measles can cause very serious illness and even death in children and adults. It's vitally important that parents of children who haven't had two doses of the MMR vaccine get in touch with their GP now, to prevent further outbreaks."

Professor Dame Jenny Harries of the UKHSA warned of the potential spread of the virus to other areas, including communities like Street and Glastonbury, unless vaccination uptake is increased. She urged immediate action to boost MMR uptake, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.

She said: "Colleagues across the West Midlands have worked tirelessly to try to control the outbreak, but with vaccine uptake in some communities so low, there is now a very real risk of seeing the virus spread in other towns and cities. "Children who get measles can be very poorly and some will suffer life-changing complications. The best way for parents to protect their children from measles is the MMR vaccine.

"Two doses of the MMR vaccine give lifelong protection and it's never too late to catch up. "Immediate action is needed to boost MMR uptake across communities where vaccine uptake is low. We know from the pandemic that the communities themselves, and those providing services within them, will have the knowledge to best support local families to understand the risks of measles, to learn more about the vaccines that can protect them and to enable innovative vaccine delivery approaches. We need a long-term concerted effort to protect individuals and to prevent large measles outbreaks."

Dr Doug Brown, chief executive of the British Society for Immunology, said the latest NHS figures, which also show a decrease in national uptake for other childhood jabs such as the six-in-one vaccine, are "extremely worrying". "Immediate action to reverse this alarming multi-year downward trend and protect our communities from preventable diseases is urgently needed," he said. "Vaccines save lives and are the safest and most effective method to protect our children against disease. "Low levels of vaccination coverage matter as it means these diseases have the potential to spread within our communities, infecting unvaccinated people, including vulnerable individuals unable to have vaccinations such as young babies or people with cancer. We can and must do better."

Symptoms of measles include cold-like symptoms, a rash, and sometimes spots in the mouth. The NHS advises consulting a GP if you suspect measles or have been in close contact with someone who has it.