Parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated against deadly disease during the lowest uptake level in a decade.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents to ensure their children have their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines as well as other routine jabs before starting school.
More than one in ten children are still unvaccinated and so are at risk of catching potentially lethal measles, the Mirror reports.
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Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
The most recent vaccine figures, covering July to September last year, show that just 88.6% of children have had their first MMR dose by the age of two while just 85.5% have had both doses aged five.
This translates to more than one in ten children aged five are not up to date with their two doses.
Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, it is estimated 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.
The infection damages and suppresses the immune system, meaning children could be more susceptible to catching other infections and could also lead to a condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
SSPE can cause progressive destruction of the central nervous system, loss of motor control, epilepsy and death.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 95% of children need to be vaccinated to keep measles away.
In a new campaign, the UKHSA and the NHS are now calling on parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against these preventable diseases.
The UK Health Security Agency said covid has led to a big drop in the number of children being vaccinated against MMR and other diseases.
But as international travel resumes, there is a warning measles will be more likely to be brought in from countries that have higher levels of the disease.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: "The MMR vaccine offers the best protection from measles, mumps and rubella which is why we're calling on parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with their two doses.
"Even a small drop in vaccine coverage can have a big impact on population immunity levels and lead to outbreaks.
"I would urge parents to check if their children are up to date with their MMR vaccines and if not to get them booked in as soon as they are able. It's never too late to catch-up."
Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations, should first check their child's Red Book (personal child health record).
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, added: "It is incredibly important that all parents and guardians ensure their child is up to date with their routine vaccinations, including MMR, as these vaccines give children crucial protection against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community.
"If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection against disease."
GP practices are also able to carry out checks and book vaccine appointments.
As part of the campaign, research commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care and the UKHSA of 2,000 parents and guardians of children aged five and under found 48% were unaware that measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.
Only four in 10 (38%) were aware measles can be fatal and 56% were unaware two doses of the MMR vaccine gives 99% protection against measles and rubella.
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