PARENTS are being urged to vaccinate their children after a rise in measles cases across the south east. 

With only a couple of weeks to go until the new school year starts, the NHS is asking parents to check that their child is all up to date with the required vaccinations.

The NHS said children starting school this year should have the four in one pre-school booster vaccine which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio.

READ MORE: Helping Dogs and Cats to move into new premises

Youngers under four should also have two doses of the MMR vaccine, the NHS says, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old. Both doses are needed to ensure full and lasting protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.​

Vaughan Lewis, NHS England south east medical director said: “If your child is starting school this September, it’s important that they are up to date with all their vaccinations to protect them against a range of serious childhood diseases.

“We know this is a busy time for families, so while you are getting everything ready for September, please make sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations. Give your child the best start to their school life and protect them today.

SEE ALSO: No return parking sign explained to drivers in TikTok video

“If you’re not sure if your child has had all their vaccinations so far, you can check your child’s red book, or call you GP practice to double check, and then book an appointment if needed. If you have any concerns about whether to have your child vaccinated, please chat to your GP practice.”

An NHS spokesperson added: "Rest assured the MMR vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines with millions of doses given every year – it is safe for your child, and will protect them, their friends, and the wider community from these unpleasant but preventable diseases."

A campaign has been launched in cinemas, soft play centres and Spotify podcasts across the south east to raise awareness of how important these vaccinations are for school-aged children.

To find out more about how the vaccinations work, what they contain and the most common side effects, visit nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/why-vaccination-is-safe-and-important.