LANCASHIRE parents are being urged to get their children immunised after figures showed the number of cases of measles was on the rise.

Health chiefs are advising parents to arrange for their children to have two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Statistics show that up to October 31 2007 there were 768 confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales compared to 756 during the whole of 2006.

In the North West region so far this year, there have been 384 notifications of measles by GPs and others, but just 20 have been confirmed by laboratory testing.

Dr. Rosemary McCann, HPA North West's Immunisation lead, said: "Whilst the number of confirmed cases in this region has been comparatively small, we can't be too complacent about the figures.

"It is vitally important for all children to have two doses of MMR vaccine before reaching school age to ensure they have lifelong protection against these three potentially serious illnesses.

"However, if children missed out on MMR before school age, it is never too late to ensure they are protected. Even teenagers and young adults of university age should think seriously about having an MMR jab if they are unprotected against measles, mumps and rubella."

Latest statistics show that 88 per cent of North West children who reached the age of two years in the period 1 April to 30 June 2007 had been given a first dose of MMR vaccine and 79 per cent of children who reached the age of five in the same period had received two doses of MMR.

Dr McCann said: "These are very encouraging figures, which indicate a continuing improvement in MMR uptake.

"However, we are still some way short of our target goal."