Faith leader in Bucks urges people to get vaccinated against measles
He's wanting as many people to get the MMR jabs, regardless of faith
As the risk of measles continues to increase across the country, a faith leader in South Buckinghamshire is urging people to get vaccinated.
Religious beliefs and anxiety around vaccination are factors affecting people's decision to get the MMR jab.
Rabbi representing the Jewish community of South Buckinghamshire, Neil Janes, said: "As a religious leader, as a faith leader, I would be encouraging everybody to go out and speak to their health professionals and community services and say 'what are the options for me and my child?'"
"The Jewish position is saving life is the important part, and that saving your own child's life and other people's and there are always options available."
"There are various factors that affect people's uptake; one is about the components, whether there's gelatine, but there's always an alternative to that."
Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a fresh warning over measles after an almost 45-fold rise in cases across Europe.
Experts from the organisation said Europe is seeing an "alarming rise" in the spread of the disease, which has "accelerated in recent months".
Rabbi Neil Janes appreciates there may be reluctance to getting the vaccine, but assured there are options available through health services.
He said: "There are various factors that affect people's uptake; one is about the components, whether there's gelatine, but there's always an alternative to that."
"Secondly it's about community health services and access for the materials to be translated."
Two in five reported cases were in children aged between one and four, with one in five cases affecting people aged 20 and over.
Health officials warned the rising trend could be expected to continue if people do not vaccinate their children against the disease.
At the same time, the UK launched its own campaigns to encourage parents to get the MMR vaccine for their children to protect them from measles, mumps and rubella.
In serious cases, measles can lead to complications, lifelong disability and death.
Amongst the health complications are pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.