Measles warning as vaccination levels in Lincolnshire fall 10% lower than national target

NHS data for 2018-19 showed uptake of the first dose of the MMR vaccine fell from 91.2% to 90.3% in England – the fifth year in a row it has dropped.

In Lincolnshire, the rate of children being given two doses of measles protection has fallen to 10% lower than the national target.

Health officials warned that children were being put at risk by the decision to shun these routine vaccinations.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he will not 'rule out' bold action to protect children as new figures showed fewer are receiving routine NHS vaccinations.

Mr Hancock's comments come as national figures showed a continuing decline in the proportion of children receiving 13 NHS childhood jabs, including the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Children taking up the first dose of the MMR vaccine has dropped Credit: PA Images

It was announced last month that the UK had lost its World Health Organisation measles-free status, three years after the virus was eliminated.

Health Secretary commented the situation was "unacceptable".

He added: "everyone has a role to play in halting this decline... We need to be bold and I will not rule out action so that every child is properly protected."

Measles initial symptoms:

- runny or blocked nose- sneezing- watery eyes- swollen eyelids- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light- a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)- small greyish-white spots in the mouth- aches and pains- a cough- loss of appetite- tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy