Measles is a serious illness for children that can be prevented by a highly effective and safe vaccine, advises Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The advice follows a declared measles outbreak in Gwent.

The health board’s Executive Director of Public Health Dr Ardiana Gjini says: “The MMR vaccine is a safe and highly effective in protecting you against measles, mumps and rubella. I want to urge parents and carers to think of the safety of their children and ensure our communities here in West Wales are protected.”

It’s never too late to catch up on missed doses. Anyone aged five and over can drop-in to a vaccination centre to receive their MMR vaccine, no appointment needed.

The local vaccination centre is at Neyland: Unit 1 Honeyborough Retail Park, SA73 1SE, open 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (closed Friday 31 May and Friday 7 June).

If you are unable to attend but would like to arrange a MMR vaccine for you or your child, contact Hywel Dda on 0300 303 8322 or [email protected] and they’ll be happy to help.

For more information about the MMR vaccine, visit phw.nhs.wales/mmr.