NHS Borders is appealing to students to check if they have had two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine before starting mixing with lots of new people at college or university this autumn.

Cases of measles are on the rise in some parts of the UK and Europe.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases.

 It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).

Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. But you can prevent it by getting vaccinated.

NHS Scotland offers 2 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to children at around 12 to 13 months, and 3 years 4 months. If it's missed at these times, it can be given at any age.

NHS Borders urge students to call their GP practice to find out if you’re fully vaccinated.

If  not, they should visit nhsinform.scot/MMRagainstMeasles for details on how to arrange an appointment in your Health Board area.