PARENTS are being warned to keep their children's vaccinations up to date after measles outbreaks in Europe.

Cases in the UK have also rocketed this year, as figures show parents are still not taking hundreds of young children for their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warns that areas in which fewer than 95per cent of the population are vaccinated are at a heightened risk of a measles outbreak.

The most recent figures show that, in the 2016-17 financial year, only 88 per cent of children in Bournemouth turning five had received the recommended two MMR jabs.

It means that an estimated 240 five-year-olds in the area had not been vaccinated.

In Poole 91 per cent had the jabs, but 130 did not.

In Dorset 93 per cent had the jabs, but some 250 did not.

In the UK, 757 cases of measles have been reported so far this year – nearly triple the 274 cases reported in the whole of 2017.

Following significant outbreaks in France, Italy, Greece and Romania, the Royal College of Nursing’s Helen Donovan said the threat posed by measles should not be underestimated.

She said: “Measles is extremely infectious, especially where large crowds of people gather, such as at festivals or in towns.

"Thanks to vaccination it has become increasingly rare in the UK, but recent increases in infection rates show we can’t be complacent.

"The MMR vaccine is free. Getting immunised is quick and simple – an appointment with your practice nurse will only take a few minutes."