HEREFORDSHIRE Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says surgeries across the county are “ready and able” to handle any increased uptake of MMR vaccination.

In a statement released this morning (Thurs), the CCG reinforced fears that a significant number of children in the county - estimated at as many as one in five - were currently unprotected against measles.

Yesterday, (Wed) public health officials in the county confirmed that the number of measles cases reported since the start of this year has already outstripped the total number for last year - though the rise remains in single figures.

The CCG’s Dr Andy Black said: “Local GP's are well aware of the risks that measles presents, particularly to the unimmunised and the very young.

They have been working closely with public health colleagues over recent years in attempts to increase the uptake rate of vaccination across the county.

“It is disappointing that a significant number of children remain unprotected, but all surgeries are ready and able to immunise these children.

"It is never too late to get vaccinated. Those who require vaccination or are unsure of their status are advised to contact their own doctor.”

For our earlier story on this, click here.