Pop-up MMR vaccination clinics set for Worcestershire

The MMR jab is extremely effective against measles

Pop-up MMR vaccination clinics are being launched in Worcestershire to protect children from measles.

Amid a spike in cases across the West Midlands, the County Council said there were about 4,000 primary school-aged children in Worcestershire who had not had the MMR jab.

The clinics in Kidderminster, Wythall, Redditch, Evesham, Malvern and Worcester do not need appointments.

GPs will also be texting parents of children who have not been vaccinated.

More than 90% of children in Worcestershire have been vaccinated with two doses by the time they are five years old.

Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire, said that was among the highest uptake in the West Midlands region, but she added the rate needed to be "even higher".

• Why are measles cases rising and what is the MMR vaccine?

The pop-up clinics are being hosted in these libraries between 09:30 and 16:00 GMT on the following dates:

Saturday 10 February

• Kidderminster Library

• Wythall Library

• Redditch Library

Saturday 17 February

• Evesham Library

• Malvern Library

• The Hive, Worcester

Parents have been advised to check their child's personal health record (also known as the Red Book) if they are unsure whether they have already been vaccinated, or to contact their GP to check.

People who do not want their children to have the MMR jab containing pork gelatin can request an alternative.