GET immunised — that is the message from Bolton Primary Care Trust, as cases of measles reach a 13-year high.

The Health Protection Agency North-west is warning there could be an epidemic this winter unless young people are vaccinated as a matter of urgency.

Bolton has one of the best immunisation records in the region, but health chiefs have urged people not to be complacent.

Graham Munslow, a health protection specialist at Bolton PCT, now known as NHS Bolton said: “Parents need to make sure their children have had two doses of MMR.

“Measles is very infectious and one person with it can infect 15 to 20 others.

“People need to go to their GP, who can immunise anyone up to the age of 24.”

There had been 107 confirmed cases of measles in the North-west this year to the end of October, the highest figure in the UK outside London.

There have been outbreaks across the region, with 68 reported cases in Cheshire at the moment.

Mr Munslow said: “We are also aware of an outbreak neighbouring Bolton in Chorley — I think 15 children are infected and four required hospitalisation.

“This underlines that it’s not just an illness but can be serious, affecting things like sight, hearing and the heart.”

He added: “There is no reason why children should still be suffering when we have a very effective vaccine.

“The evidence shows there is no link between the MMR vaccine and Chrones and Autism.

“This worry did cause a drop in up take, which is why we are in this position.

“Parents should get children immunised and take them to the GP if they think they have measles.”