The government is urging parents to increase their efforts to vaccinate children over the summer
Measles cases are rising
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now urging parents to prioritise vaccine catch-up appointments during the school summer holidays. It comes as the latest data shows high levels of cases – prompting fears of more outbreaks once children return to the classroom when the new school term begins.
There have been 674 lab-confirmed cases of measles in England since January 1.That includes an additional 145 cases since the last measles update at the start of July. In Staffordshire, there have been 13 cases.
The news comes after it was revealed last month that a child, who was ill with measles and other health problems, had died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
So far in England, the majority of cases have been seen in children under the age of 10, with London and parts of the North West driving the recent surge. Almost half of all confirmed cases have been in London (48%)
But in recent weeks, new cases have been confirmed in Liverpool, Knowsley, and Salford, as well as in several London boroughs including Barnet, Croydon, Camden, Harrow, and Haringey. Hackney is at the centre of the current outbreak. So far, there have been 79 cases in Hackney, more than in any other council area in England. That includes 33 new cases since the last update.
Hackney also has the lowest vaccination rate in the country. Just three in five children had received both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) jab by their fifth birthday (60.8%) in Hackney.
But while Hackney has the lowest vaccination rates, not one council area in England has hit the target of getting 95% of children vaccinated. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that target is essential to achieving “herd immunity,” which stops illnesses from transmitting across the population.
In 22 council areas, the MMR vaccination rate has slipped below 75%. After Hackney, Bristol has had the most measles infections so far this year. However, there have been no new lab-confirmed cases in Bristol since May.
Cases are rising, however, in Salford, which has now had 35 infections confirmed by lab tests, the third-highest number in England so far this year.
You can see the cases near you using our interactive map.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist with the UKHSA, said: “The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins. It is never too late to catch up. Do not put it off and regret it later.
“Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences.
“Two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems cannot have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, added: “Vaccination is the best protection against measles, which is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems. The MMR vaccine is provided free by the NHS and I would urge all parents to check their child’s vaccination records before the new school year or summer travel, particularly as Europe is reporting the highest number of measles cases in 25 years.
“While the NHS delivered tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccinations last year, too many eligible children remain unvaccinated, and we are working with local authorities and the UK Health Security Agency to reach more youngsters, with enhanced vaccination offers in areas with higher cases, including vaccination buses and community catch-up sessions.”
The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around three years and four months old.
Around 99% of those who have two doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe.
Anyone, whatever age, who has not had two doses can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. It is never too late to catch up.
Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE