An MMR vaccination clinic is being held at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, near Ystrad Mynach, on Saturday April 13 following the measles outbreak in the Swansea area.
Low numbers of measles cases have also been reported in the Caerphilly County Borough area and follows confirmation that cases now number 693 in the Swansea area – up from 620 reported on Tuesday.
The clinic, between 11am and 3pm, at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr will target those between the ages of one and 25. Another clinic is also being held at the Bellevue Surgery in Newport.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board has said it is keen to vaccinate people in the 16 to 25 age group and that it is crucial they are vaccinated before exams.
A spokesman said: “Measles is an extremely contagious virus, which can lead to serious complications and in rare cases can be fatal. We urge all parents to ensure their child has had their MMR vaccinations and encourage people in the above age groups who are unprotected to attend one of these drop in clinics.
“People who have had two doses of the MMR will be 99% protected against the disease.
“GPs will be continuing to vaccinate regularly and if you already have an appointment with your GP please keep this and do not attend these additional clinics, extra clinics will be also held in other areas in Gwent over the coming weeks.
“Please do not attend if you have felt recently unwell with a temperature or other flu like symptoms.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council has also issued public health guidance to all schools in the area this week.
It reads: “You may be aware that there is a very serious outbreak of measles affecting the Swansea area and that it is spreading across South Wales. The illness has been spreading very quickly through schools as many of the pupils have not been protected by having two Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. There have been at least 60 admissions to hospital during this outbreak as a result of their measles infection so far.
“We are now starting to see a few cases of measles locally.
“The best way to get protected from measles is by vaccination. If your child/teenager has not had two MMR vaccinations you should contact your GP, health visitor or practice nurse now to arrange for them to be protected. This action on your part is essential to prevent a possible school outbreak.”
A spokesman for Aneurin Bevan Health Board said the number of measles cases reported locally was really low and that the clinics were precautionary.