A recent rise of measles cases in the West Midlands region has alerted health officials.

Worcestershire is currently free of cases, but officials want to maintain that status.

Lisa McNally, director of Public Health in Worcestershire, said: "We’re really pleased to be working alongside our NHS colleagues to make sure as many people as possible have the option to be vaccinated against measles.

"We’re really proud that our vaccination rates are so high in Worcestershire, one of the highest uptake rates in the West Midlands, with over 90% of children being vaccinated with two doses by the time they are 5 years old. To give the best protection to everyone, we need our MMR vaccination rates to be even higher.

"There are around 4,000 primary school-aged children in Worcestershire, who haven’t had their MMR vaccination, and could be at risk of getting this serious illness. It’s never too late to catch up.”

The vaccination rates in Worcestershire are high, with more than 90 per cent of children receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five.

This gives the county one of the highest uptake rates in the West Midlands.

To increase the vaccination rate, officials are organising pop-up clinics in local libraries throughout February.

Scheduled for February 10 and 17 from 9.30am to 4pm, these clinics are especially focused on vaccinating children.

However, anyone who has missed their MMR vaccination are encouraged to attend.

The Worcestershire County Council said no appointment is necessary and there will be no charge.

Kidderminster, Wythall and Redditch libraries will host the clinics on February 10, while Evesham, Malvern libraries and The Hive in Worcester will follow suit on February 17.

Dr Will Taylor, chief medical officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness especially in young children who are more at risk from severe complications.

“The best way for us to keep measles at bay from our area is to ensure we reach the 95% vaccination rate – especially amongst children.

“The pop-up clinics are open to everyone and I would encourage you to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”

Parents who are unsure if their child has been vaccinated can find the information in their child’s personal health record, otherwise known as their Red Book.

If they cannot access this, the council advised them to contact their GP.

Text messages will also be sent by local GP surgeries to parents whose children have not been vaccinated.