HEALTH bosses have urged parents across the borough to have their children vaccinated with the MMR jab, as infection rates continue to rise.

The rates of both mumps and measles are increasing in Redbridge, as the borough's primary care trust (PCT) announces the start of a vaccination drive as part of European Immunisation Week, which began on Monday (April 26).

The number of reported cases of mumps rose from and 18 in 2008 to 65 in 2009, while measles cases went from 27 in 2008 to 33 in 2009 (which itself is a significant increase from the 2007 figure of 12).

The vaccination is given in 2 doses: the first is given at 13 months, when the natural immunities of the mother have started to wear off, while the the second must be given when the child has reached 3 years and 4 months.

Two doses are needed to give the best protection, as after the first dose between 5% and 10% of children are not protected, and after two doses of MMR less than 1% are left unprotected.

NHS Redbridge report that coverage of the vaccination continues to rise in the borough. In 2009, the levels were the highest since the jabs were introduced, with 85 percent coverage for for MMR1 and 79 percent for MMR2.

Parents who want to get their children vaccinated should contact their local GP practice.