Parents in UK urged to ensure children get measles jab before new school term

Uptake of the MMR – measles, mumps and rubella – vaccine is at its lowest level in more than a decade, the UK Health Security Agency warned. Photograph: Jovanmandic/Getty Images

Parents should make sure their children are fully vaccinated against measles before the new school term begins in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK’s health agency has said, amid concerns that pupils mixing at school could fuel a new surge in cases.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 2,278 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England since the start of 2024, with London and the West Midlands particularly affected. The majority of cases – 62% – have been in children aged 10 years and under.