Measles cases have been confirmed in the Watford area, Hertfordshire's NHS has confirmed.
Catch-up vaccination clinics at Peace Children’s Centre, in Peace Prospect and near the town hall, are available for residents to check they are fully protected amid the outbreak.
These will run until 3pm today (June 6) as well as from 11am to 5pm on Tuesday (June 9) and do not require an appointment.
"Measles cases have been confirmed in the Watford area,” a Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust spokesperson said.
“The MMR vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella, which are highly infectious and can lead to serious health problems.
“You need two doses for full protection.”
Those seeking a vaccination can also ask their GP or contact the Hertfordshire Community and School-Aged Immunisation Service on 03005 555055.
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Measles is a serious illness and carries long term risks including inflammation of the brain and even in rare cases death.
The vaccine is offered in two doses, typically alongside varicella (chickenpox) as well as mumps and rubella at 12 and 18 months.
Vaccination coverage across 95 per cent of the eligible population is needed to stop measles spreading.
Have you or your child been affected by the outbreak? Get in touch via email to fintan.mcguinness@newsquest.co.uk.
In Hertfordshire, 93.6 per cent of five year old children have had one dose and 87.7 per cent had both.
NHS information on the disease states: "Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
"The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.
"The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin."
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