Guernsey’s measles vaccination rate 'on target'

Children and young people can still get vaccinated, free of charge

The number of children in Guernsey vaccinated against measles meets World Health Organisation targets, health bosses have said.

The reassurance has been issued following media reports of measles outbreaks in the UK.

Alex Hawkins-Drew, associate director of public health, said more than 95% of Guernsey children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five.

The last confirmed case of measles in Guernsey was in 2012.

However, Mr Hawkins-Drew added: "We know that some families have chosen not to have their children vaccinated against measles and we would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage them to take up this offer.

"For a person to receive full protection from measles they should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.

"MMR is available as a catch-up vaccine free of charge, up to the age of 25."

Measles is a highly contagious disease, which normally resolves after seven to 10 days.

However, it can lead to serious problems if it infects other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain, said Guernsey health experts.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].