A MEASLES or mumps outbreak could hit Sussex unless vaccination take-up rates improve.

Latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre reveal not enough children are getting both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in order to protect the community.

The World Health Organisation says 95% of a population needs to have the jab so vulnerable members of the community, such as babies and those with lowered immune systems, are not put at risk.

East Sussex has the highest take-up rate of 89.5% but it still falls short, while Brighton and Hove has a rate of 87.9%.

West Sussex has the lowest rate of 86.7% and health bosses are urging people to make sure their children have both doses of the MMR vaccine by their fifth birthday.

Older children and teenagers can also have a catch up vaccination if they contact their GP.

The figures for Brighton and Hove and West Sussex are also below the national average of 88.3%.

Screening and immunisations lead for NHS England in Sussex, Max Kammerling, said: “We know that the MMR vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles, mumps and rubella. “Measles, Mumps and Rubella are common, highly infectious conditions that can have serious, potentially fatal, complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain and deafness.

“They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that can affect an unborn baby and lead to miscarriage.

“We are working with GP practices and other local healthcare providers to increase take-up of the vaccine and I would urge all parents to ensure that their children receive this important vaccination.”

There have been 84 confirmed cases of mumps across the county so far this year and six cases of measles.

For more details, visit www.nhs.uk.