PARENTS are being urged to make sure their children are up to date with life-saving vaccinations during the summer holidays.

Although children vaccine rates remain above the North West average in Wirral, the figure has been decreasing.

Cllr Christine Jones, cabinet member for adult care and health, said: “It's vital that Wirral residents are protected by immunisations, from a young age, to minimise their risk of contracting a disease or illness.

“When it comes to travelling or attending a festival, where there is increased risk of contracting such diseases, anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine is at risk.

“After clean water, vaccination is the most effective public health intervention in the world. Put simply, vaccines save lives.

"It’s vital that everyone eligible gets vaccinated.”

Throughout the summer Wirral’s Public Health team will be sharing messages about children's vaccines and general immunisations information for all ages.

A range of routine vaccinations are offered free of charge on the NHS.

Dr Paula Cowan, chair of Wirral CCG and local GP, said: "Vaccines protect you and those around you. If enough people get vaccinated against a disease, it makes it harder for the disease to spread.

"This protects people who can’t get vaccinated, such as new-born babies.

“In the UK we have a world-leading vaccination programme with vaccine uptake rates in England, and Wirral included, currently among the highest in Europe.

"However, we are still seeing outbreaks of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines.

"It’s never too late to get your MMR vaccine, call your GP practice and catch-up.

To find out if you're up to date with vaccinations, visit

www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/