Parents should ensure their children are fully vaccinated against measles before the new school year begins, Britain’s Public Health Agency has said. The agency is concerned that pupils mixing at school could fuel a new surge in cases.
According to According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 2,278 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles have been reported in England since the start of 2024, with London and the West Midlands worst affected. Most cases – 62% – are children aged 10 and under.
Measles spreads easily among unvaccinated people. The disease often begins with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash. However, it can also lead to serious illness or even death.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, but also against mumps and rubella. The first dose is given at one year of age and a second at three years and four months as part of the vaccination. NHS routine childhood vaccination programme.
UKHSA is now stepping up its efforts to increase childhood vaccinations by reminding parents of the dangers of children not being protected against measles – and other diseases such as meningitis, polio and whooping cough – through a series of advertisements on TV, radio, social media and posters.
Andrew Gwynne, Minister of Health and Prevention, said measles can be a serious and sometimes fatal disease.
“Vaccinations are our best form of protection, and it is vital that children receive all of their vaccinations,” he said. “With the fall semester just around the corner, I urge all parents to catch up on any missed vaccinations to keep children safe as they return to the classroom or daycare.”
Since last autumn, England has seen a rise in measles cases, with outbreaks initially occurring in the West Midlands and then in other areas including London. According to the UKHSA, the situation has led to the highest number of cases since 2012.
In January, UKHSA reported a national incident, warning that measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates were at their lowest level in more than a decade. The population’s two-dose vaccination rate was below the 95% threshold that is supposed to prevent the spread of measles.
Efforts to boost MMR use include the national MMR catch-up campaign, which was launched in November last year and ramped up in the months that followed.
According to a new report from UKHSA, such actions have paid off: between August 2023 and April 2024, there was a 4.9% increase in the number of Black, British, Caribbean or African children having a second jab at the ages of three years, seven months and five years, while more than 13% of previously unvaccinated children aged five years or under received their first MMR jab during the campaign period.
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Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, said there were many reasons why it was important to prevent children from getting measles. “Apart from the fact that it is a very unpleasant disease, even without complications, it can cause children to suffer serious or permanent damage to their lungs, eyes and brain,” he said.
“Children who have had measles are also susceptible to other serious infections for months or even years afterwards, because the virus damages the immunity they have built up over time. Some children die from measles. All of this is completely preventable by making sure they have had two doses of the safe, effective vaccine that is available free on the NHS.”
Prof Sir Andrew Pollard of the University of Oxford agreed. “As a paediatrician, I am very concerned about the ongoing measles outbreak and the real risk that it will get worse in the autumn, when children go back to school next week,” he said.
“Children who are not vaccinated can become seriously ill from it or spread it to others who are vulnerable, such as children with cancer. Measles is present in our community, so make sure your children are up to date on their vaccinations.”