Just  67% of five-year-olds in Croydon had both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination in 2017/18.

This is why the three highly contagious diseases are spreading more easily in the borough.

It was nearly the lowest rate in London, coming in just above Merton which had a 66.7% rate.

And so far this year Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed 12 cases of mumps, five of measles and one case of rubella in the area.

Last year there was a measles outbreak in Croydon with more than 40 cases confirmed between January and August – It led to illness including hospitalisation in some cases.

But the rate in 2017/18 for one dose of the vaccination at five years in Croydon was a more encouraging 85.6%.

What can be done?

Now Croydon Council is trying to minimise the rise of the three highly contagious – but preventable –  diseases by getting more residents vaccinated.

With PHE and the local NHS a Measles and Rubella Action Plan is being developed.

It is expected to include recommendations on how to improve the MMR vaccination uptake in the normal vaccination schedule for children.

As well as for children and adults who missed out and need catch up vaccinations.

Herd immunity

The World Health Organisation says a 95% vaccination uptake rate, with two doses of MMR by age five, is needed to achieve hard immunity in a local population.

This means that the virus can’t be passed on within a community.

Croydon’s director of public health Rachel Flowers said: “Given the high rates of measles cases in older age groups in the recent outbreaks, it is particularly important to be aware that there is no upper age limit for the MMR vaccination.

“Pregnant women and those who are immuno-suppressed are also at a higher risk of serious complications if they contract measles.”

The advice is to check with your GP whether you’re fully covered.

The council also asks those who work at a school or a college to find out their institution’s vaccination policy and encourage parents, students and staff to be vaccinated.

Councillor Jane Avis, Croydon Council’s lead for families, health and social care said: “Measles, mumps and rubella are all highly infectious conditions that can have serious, potentially fatal complications.

“Everyone who isn’t immune is at risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to others.”