According to the national Department of Health (DoH), an increasing number of children are missing their vaccines, which puts them at risk of diseases such as measles.

Measles is a contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health problems, especially in young children. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact, and can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness and even death. The virus can be transmitted even before symptoms appear.

The DoH said children under one year and anyone who has not been vaccinated or had measles before are most at risk.

The public is encouraged to seek medical attention if they or their child develop symptoms such as fever, a rash or a runny nose.

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The department said vaccinating children against measles is the safest and most effective way to protect them and prevent outbreaks. Side effects of the shot are usually mild and temporary. They include redness or swelling at the injection site and a slight fever.

The DoH urged parents and guardians to ensure children are up to date with all their routine vaccinations. The measles vaccine is free at public clinics and is given as part of the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine. The MR vaccine is given by injection in the upper arm or thigh by a trained healthcare worker.

Children should receive two doses – one at six months and one at 12 months. Children who received the measles vaccine at six and 12 months do not need another dose.