West Midlands has 75% of England’s measles cases

In a statement, health minister Maria Caulfield said NHS England has “rapidly implemented” a campaign to increase the number of children being vaccinated.

“[It is] part of a major drive to protect children from becoming seriously unwell as measles continues to rise in parts of the country,” she said.

From 6 February, parents and carers of unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children, aged 6 to 11, will receive a letter, text or email inviting them to make an appointment with their child’s GP practice for their missed MMR vaccine.

From 12 March, reminders will begin to be sent out.

Ms Caulfield added: “This national campaign supplements existing measures under way, to work with specific communities to boost uptake in priority areas, for example, by offering MMR pop-ups and whole-school vaccination campaigns.

“Extensive local engagement and communications have also been undertaken with community and faith leaders to encourage groups less likely to get their jab to come forward.”

Additionally, in the West Midlands and London, the invitation letters, texts or emails in February will also be sent to young people aged 16 to 25, to invite them to catch up on their missed MMR vaccinations.

They too will also get a reminder the following month.