Vaccine campaign: "Tomorrow, it might be too late"
Researchers are encouraging parents to protect their children from diseases like measles and whooping cough
Scientists are urging parents to protect their children from diseases like measles and whooping cough.
Hits Radio Chilled has been told the situation is "critical," with not enough children receiving vaccines.
A campaign has now started to increase vaccination rates, with an animation released by the Oxford Vaccine Group.
Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, told us vaccination rates have fallen, largely down to access: "If it's not easy to get vaccinated, then when your child is well, it's not the top priority.
"The problem is that these germs are out there and if we have populations not vaccinated. And they're out there and they will get us."
Addressing parents who don't prioritise vaccination, he said: "The direct message is that for measles vaccine this is a priority because tomorrow it might be too late."
The Oxford Vaccine Group is marking its 30 year anniversary, with an exhibition at the city's Natural History Museum.
It features giant models of bacteria, viruses and a parasite, which the group has helped to tackle during the last three decades.
Sir Andrew added: "These enormous germs are just on an extraordinary scale. That just fills you with awe when you walk in.
"They're beautiful, designed by the artist Angela Palmer to be representations of the serious diseases that affect children and adults around the world.
"They have texture. They're made from Wicker and they're giant, hanging from the ceiling.
"That just blows your away."