Pop-up clinics launched amid surge in measles cases
In Leicester, 122 cases of measles were detected between 1 January and 15 July
- Published
Pop-up vaccination centres have launched in Leicestershire in a bid to protect families against measles.
A total of 21 clinics will be held across the county offering jabs for the highly infectious virus.
Government figures show that between 1 January and 15 July, 122 cases of measles were detected in Leicester - the second highest number in any local authority in the UK.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR) is asking people who are not vaccinated to come to one of the sessions to get a free jab.
Doctors have advised that two doses are needed for full protection against measles, preferably by the age of five, but patients can have the vaccination at any age over one.
Measles immunity usually lasts a lifetime, they said.
Centres can be found across the county, external throughout July and August.
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, sore, red, watery eyes, coughing and a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms is advised to stay home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice.
Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, external, on X, external, or on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk, external or via WhatsApp, external on 0808 100 2210.