Vaccine plea to parents after report says region lags behind with MMR jabs

FRESH calls have been made to West Midlands' parents to get their kids vaccinated before their return to school amid concerns over low take-up rates.

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the region is one of the lowest in the country for children being up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jabs.

Figures show the average uptake of two doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five is 84.3% in the West Midlands, dropping as low as 75.8% in some parts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says a 95% uptake is needed to stop outbreaks occurring and protect the population.

Health bosses say this means thousands of children are unprotected against these diseases, and the risk of outbreaks occurring while measles is circulating around the country remains high.