Urgent measles warning for London

London faces a measles outbreak with tens of thousands of cases unless vaccination coverage improves dramatically, experts warn.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said take-up of the MMR shot is at its lowest in a decade, at 85 per cent in England and just 75 per cent in London.

This is well below the target needed for herd immunity of 95 percent, they warned.

And it could lead to a measles outbreak of up to 160,000 cases in the capital.

In the UK, 128 cases of measles have been recorded in the first half of this year, compared to 54 cases in the whole of 2022.

Data released earlier this year from the NHS England shows that uptake of the MMR vaccine fell to just 88.6 per cent for one dose in two-year-olds, and to 85.5 per cent for both shots in five-year-olds

Two-thirds of the cases have been detected in London, which could lead to a resurgence of the highly contagious disease.

Modeling by the UKHSA shows that unless vaccination coverage improves there could be a major outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases.

Those ages 19 to 25 are most susceptible, the agency said, blaming their low vaccination rates on false reporting about an autism link when they were infants.

The UKHSA said the risk to the rest of the UK outside London is currently low, but warned there could be smaller outbreaks in specific populations, including teens, young people and under-vaccinated communities.

There is also a high risk of cases related to travel abroad, she added.

Measles usually starts with cold symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.

It is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can cause serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.

The MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, mumps and rubella, is being offered to all children in the UK and can provide lifelong protection.

While vaccination rates have declined in recent years, the decline accelerated during the pandemic, the agency said.

The NHS is now launching a campaign to encourage everyone to check their vaccination status.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said take-up of the MMR jab is the lowest in a decade, with the rate at 85 per cent in England and just 75 per cent in London

Official data has revealed the areas most vulnerable to a potential measles outbreak, with more than a quarter of children in London missing out on the MMR shot, though this is rising by nearly half in some boroughs

Meanwhile, parents of babies who have not yet had their MMR shot should report as soon as possible.

Dr. Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA epidemiologist, said: ‘Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems.

“Due to the long-term sub-optimal uptake of vaccines, there is now a very real risk of major outbreaks in London.

“Measles spreads very easily, but it is preventable. To help protect ourselves, our families and those around us, it’s vital that we all make sure we’re vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, free with the NHS, whatever your age.

‘Parents can check their children’s red booklet to see if they are up to date or if you are not sure whether someone can call the GP practice. It is important that everyone is fully vaccinated before traveling abroad this summer.

“No one wants to see their child or loved ones sick with measles, or put others more vulnerable, such as babies, at risk. I urge those who have missed their MMR vaccinations to catch up now.”