STUDENTS from Stroud College are to be immunised against mumps.

The number of cases of mumps has increased nationwide and a number of day students from the college who went on a trip together have recently developed the illness.

Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust is arranging immunisation sessions for day students at the college and is recommending that evening course students contact their GP to arrange a vaccination.

There have also been a number of cases of mumps in various secondary schools across the district.

Parents of pupils at secondary schools with sporadic cases of mumps have been advised that children who have been in contact with an infected student should contact their GP if they have not been fully immunised.

Mumps used to be a common childhood illness but since the introduction of the vaccination programme in 1988, it has become less usual. Youngsters who may not be fully vaccinated still occasionally catch the disease.

The MMR vaccine can provide protection against mumps. To provide full protection, two doses of MMR are required - a single dose will protect approximately 80 percent of recipients.

The Health Protection Agency and the Department of Health advises that all young people under the age of 25, who are not fully vaccinated, should be offered the opportunity for vaccination.

Dr Hendrik (CORR) Chapel, director of public health at Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust said: "While mumps is a relatively mild disease, older children can be quite ill for a period of time. The MMR vaccine can prevent this for most people who are fully immunised and it has the added benefit that it also protects against measles and rubella.

"As mumps is now circulating in the community, I must also strongly recommend that parents do accept the MMR for their children as part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

"It is important that parents whose children have missed that opportunity consider consulting their GP to arrange vaccination."