Rising Measles Cases in the UK Spark Urgent Vaccination Campaign
Published 14 February 2026
Highlights
- Measles cases are rising in the UK, with 96 confirmed cases this year, 26% of which are in the West Midlands.
- Over 60 children have been infected in a measles outbreak in north London, affecting seven schools and a nursery.
- The UK lost its measles elimination status due to a surge in cases in 2024, with 3,681 cases recorded that year.
- Vaccination rates in London are among the lowest in the UK, raising concerns about a potential larger outbreak.
- Temporary vaccination clinics and a government campaign are being launched to improve MMR vaccination uptake.
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Rewritten Article
Rising Measles Cases in the UK Spark Urgent Vaccination Campaign
The UK is witnessing a concerning rise in measles cases, prompting health officials to urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 96 cases have been confirmed this year, with the West Midlands accounting for 26% of these cases. This increase comes after the UK lost its measles elimination status in 2024, a year that saw 3,681 cases.
Measles Outbreaks in London and the West Midlands
In north London, more than 60 children have been infected in a measles outbreak affecting seven schools and a nursery in Enfield. Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield’s director of public health, expressed concerns about the potential for a larger outbreak across the capital, citing low MMR vaccination rates as a significant risk factor. "It is possible for it to grow," she warned, highlighting the severe complications measles can cause, such as deafness and brain damage.
The West Midlands is also experiencing a rise in cases, with 25 confirmed so far this year. Dr. Ash Banerjee from NHS England in the Midlands emphasized the importance of using the half-term break as an opportunity for families to update their children's vaccinations. The introduction of the MMRV vaccine, which also covers chickenpox, aims to enhance protection.
Government Response and Public Health Campaigns
In response to the outbreaks, temporary vaccination clinics have been set up in schools and throughout Enfield. The government is also launching a campaign to promote childhood vaccination, utilizing social media, YouTube, and radio to counter vaccine skepticism. The World Health Organization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity, yet figures show only 91.9% of five-year-olds received one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024-25, the lowest since 2010-11.
The UKHSA warns that measles can lead to severe complications, including ear and chest infections, meningitis, and in rare cases, death. With the current vaccination rates, the risk of further outbreaks remains high.
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Scenario Analysis
The rise in measles cases in the UK poses a significant public health threat, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates like London. If vaccination uptake does not improve, the country could face a larger outbreak, straining healthcare resources and endangering vulnerable populations. The government's campaign to promote vaccinations is a critical step in addressing this issue, but its success will depend on effectively reaching and convincing vaccine-hesitant communities.
Experts suggest that increasing public awareness about the dangers of measles and the benefits of vaccination could help reverse the current trend. Additionally, ensuring easy access to vaccines through clinics and outreach programs will be essential in achieving the WHO's recommended vaccination coverage and regaining the UK's measles elimination status.
The UK is witnessing a concerning rise in measles cases, prompting health officials to urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 96 cases have been confirmed this year, with the West Midlands accounting for 26% of these cases. This increase comes after the UK lost its measles elimination status in 2024, a year that saw 3,681 cases.
Measles Outbreaks in London and the West Midlands
In north London, more than 60 children have been infected in a measles outbreak affecting seven schools and a nursery in Enfield. Dudu Sher-Arami, Enfield’s director of public health, expressed concerns about the potential for a larger outbreak across the capital, citing low MMR vaccination rates as a significant risk factor. "It is possible for it to grow," she warned, highlighting the severe complications measles can cause, such as deafness and brain damage.
The West Midlands is also experiencing a rise in cases, with 25 confirmed so far this year. Dr. Ash Banerjee from NHS England in the Midlands emphasized the importance of using the half-term break as an opportunity for families to update their children's vaccinations. The introduction of the MMRV vaccine, which also covers chickenpox, aims to enhance protection.
Government Response and Public Health Campaigns
In response to the outbreaks, temporary vaccination clinics have been set up in schools and throughout Enfield. The government is also launching a campaign to promote childhood vaccination, utilizing social media, YouTube, and radio to counter vaccine skepticism. The World Health Organization recommends a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity, yet figures show only 91.9% of five-year-olds received one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024-25, the lowest since 2010-11.
The UKHSA warns that measles can lead to severe complications, including ear and chest infections, meningitis, and in rare cases, death. With the current vaccination rates, the risk of further outbreaks remains high.
What this might mean
The rise in measles cases in the UK poses a significant public health threat, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates like London. If vaccination uptake does not improve, the country could face a larger outbreak, straining healthcare resources and endangering vulnerable populations. The government's campaign to promote vaccinations is a critical step in addressing this issue, but its success will depend on effectively reaching and convincing vaccine-hesitant communities.
Experts suggest that increasing public awareness about the dangers of measles and the benefits of vaccination could help reverse the current trend. Additionally, ensuring easy access to vaccines through clinics and outreach programs will be essential in achieving the WHO's recommended vaccination coverage and regaining the UK's measles elimination status.
