Public Health is urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles, mumps and rubella before the half-term holidays.

Parents planning trips to the UK and Europe are reminded of the measles outbreak, which has been declared a national health incident.

Catch-up clinics are being held for MMR vaccines, which are typically given when a child turns one and then a second dose at three years and four months.

Professor Peter Bradley, Director of Public Health, says there has been a dramatic rise in cases of measles in the UK and Europe.

"While our vaccine uptake reaches WHO targets, it's essential that all children are fully protected."

Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles or three-day measles) are highly contagious viral diseases that can spread easily between unvaccinated people, according to the NHS website.

If unvaccinated, these conditions can lead to serious problems, including hearing loss, problems during pregnancy and meningitis, which can be fatal.

Pregnant women can potentially suffer a miscarriage if they contract the contagious diseases.

"Measles is an unpleasant illness that can result in serious complications, so I urge parents to make sure their children are as protected as possible, especially if they are leaving the island in the next few weeks."

The NHS says the MMR vaccine is very effective, with around 99% of people protected against measles and rubella and 88% protected against mumps.

The clinics will be held in the Outpatients Department at the General Hospital on:

• Thursday, 1 February - 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm;
• Saturday, 3 February - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm;
• Wednesday, 7 February - 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Boys and girls aged 12 and 13 are also being offered HPV vaccines at school this week.

Human Papillomavirus is the leading cause of cervical cancer and can also cause rare forms of cancer in men.

READ: 'Cervical Screenings Can Save Your Life'