London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Parents need to ensure their kids are fully vaccinated against measles before the latest school term begins in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK’s health agency has stated.
What Are the Latest Statistics on Measles Cases in the UK?
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 2,278 measles cases registered in the UK since the beginning of 2024, with London and the West Midlands particularly concerned. The bulk of cases – 62% – have been in children aged 10 years and under. Measles circulates easily among those who are unvaccinated, and while it usually begins with cold-like symptoms followed by inflammation, it can lead to severe illness or even death.
How Effective Is the MMR Vaccine in Preventing Measles?
The MMR vaccine guards against measles, as well as mumps and rubella, with the first dose delivered at one-year-old and a second at three years and four months as a component of the NHS standard childhood immunisation programme.
What Actions Are Being Taken to Address the Measles Outbreak?
UKHSA is now stepping up its actions to encourage childhood vaccinations by reminding parents of the risks of children missing out on defence against measles – as well as against other conditions such as meningitis, polio and whooping cough – through a string of adverts on TV, radio, social media and posters.
Andrew Gwynne, the minister for public health and prevention, stated measles could be a severe and sometimes deadly disease. “Vaccines are our best form of defence, and it is vital that children obtain all their vaccinations,” he stated. “With the autumn term just about the corner, I am urging all parents to catch up on any skipped jabs to keep children safe as they return to the classroom or nursery.”
Since last autumn, the UK has seen a wave in measles cases, with outbreaks initially appearing in the West Midlands and then in other places including London. According to UKHSA, the problem has led to the highest level of cases since 2012.
In January UKHSA announced a national incident and cautioned that uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine was at its lowest level in more than a decade, with people coverage for two doses below the 95% threshold that would stop measles from spreading.
Steps to boost uptake have included the national catchup movement for MMR that was undertaken in November last year and ramped up in the following months.
How Have Recent Vaccination Campaigns Impacted MMR Uptake?
According to a new statement from UKHSA, such drives have taken fruit: between August 2023 and April 2024, there was a 4.9% growth in uptake of the second jab among black, black British, Caribbean or African kids aged between three years, seven months and five years, while more than 13% of earlier unvaccinated children aged five years or under accepted their first MMR jab during the campaign period.