People across the borough are being advised to book their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines as measles cases continue to rise across the country.

Millions of parents, carers and young adults in England are being contacted to book missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines to protect those at risk from becoming seriously unwell.

According to Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age, and can cause complications such as meningitis, sepsis, and blindness.

If caught during pregnancy it can be very serious causing stillbirth, miscarriage, and low birth weight.

Read more of our top stories here:

There is no medical treatment for measles; MMR vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell.

Two doses of the free MMR vaccine are needed for maximum life-long protection, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old.

A spokesperson for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “Anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses and it’s never too late to protect yourself.

“If you or your child have not had both dose of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP surgery to book an appointment as soon as possible and catch up.”

For more information on symptoms, and protecting you and your family, visit the NHS website.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.