HEALTH chiefs in North Yorkshire are urging parents to make sure their children receive both doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) jab.

Between January and March, 331 cases of mumps were reported in the county, compared with 347 cases in the whole of 2004, and researchers say the United Kingdom is in the grip of a mumps epidemic.

Now, North Yorkshire Health Protection Unit (NYHPU) wants to ensure everyone under 25 receives two doses of the MMR vaccine.

A spokeswoman told the Evening Press some children or young adults may not have had a mumps-containing vaccine or a natural mumps infection as young children, as there was very little mumps in the country at the time.

She said: "In line with national guidance, we recommend that everyone under 25 should receive two doses of a mumps-containing MMR.

"Our priority remains to protect the most vulnerable (very young children), through the national childhood immunisation schedule, which includes two doses of MMR vaccination- first dose at approximately 13 months old and a second dose at three-and-a-half to five years old.

"The NYHPU has already organised a series of special MMR vaccination sessions at local colleges to ensure that young people are protected, and continues to raise awareness among parents and health professionals to offer MMR vaccination as widely as possible.

"We would encourage anyone who has not taken up their MMR vaccine to visit their GP who will be able to provide this service."

Mumps, which can cause infertility in post-pubescent males, swelling on the brain and even death, has seen a dramatic increase across the UK.

Of the 331 cases in North Yorkshire this year, 188 of them have been in the York and Selby area.

Anyone worried about mumps or any other health issue should phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or their GP.

Updated: 12:29 Saturday, May 14, 2005