UK health experts have urged parents and carers to vaccinate their children amid a "real risk" of a national measles outbreak.
With cases rising nationwide, the UK Health Security Agency raised the alarm by declaring a national incident.
Despite the North East and North Cumbria having England's highest uptake of the mumps, measles and rubella vaccine (MMR), the second dose numbers fell below the 95 per cent national target required to curb an outbreak.
NHS teams now urge parents to book missed MMR vaccinations with GPs.
Dr Neil O'Brien, medical director, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board said: "Measles is a highly infectious illness – complications can be life changing with dangers including blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain.
"Anyone over two, that has not yet had their MMR vaccination, is at risk of catching this serious but completely preventable disease."
Children need two MMR doses for lasting protection, with the second dose numbers falling short in some localised areas.
Mr Colin Cox, director of public health for Cumbria, added: "Measles can be a very serious illness but getting vaccinated is safe, free of charge and offers the best possible protection."
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