Push to catch up on MMR vaccination before school term begins

Parents have been encouraged to urgently contact their GP surgery to catch-up on their child’s MMR vaccinations if needed, with concerns that infection rates are rising while too many eligible children remain unvaccinated.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released data showing that measles infection rates are continuing to rise, and has warned of the risk of a further increase in cases in the new school term.

The latest monthly update on measles cases in England, published at the end of July, revealed that a further 145 measles cases have been reported across the country since the last publication on 3 July.

Since 1 January 2025, 674 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded in England.

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Nearly half of these cases (48%) occurred in London, while the North East accounted for 16% of cases, and the East of England accounted for 10%.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, urged parents to act to book a vaccination appointment quickly if needed:

‘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,’ she said.

She reminded parents that ‘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 Saliba warned that measles can spread ‘very easily’ and can lead to complications including ear and chest infections, as well as potential death.

The UKHSA also warned that international travel over the summer could also see an increase in measles cases in England.

Related Article: Current measles outbreaks could rise further this summer, UKHSA warns

Last year, Europe saw the highest number of measles cases in more than 25 years.

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England (NHSE), said the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is ‘the best protection’ against the virus.

‘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,’ Dr Doyle said.

Currently, 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 3 years and 4 months old, with plans for the schedule to change.

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 significantly less severe.In 2024, there were 2,911 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England, the highest number of cases recorded annually, since 2012.

Related Article: ‘Significant’ changes to childhood vaccination schedule announced

UKHSA has also reminded the public that anyone, ‘at whatever age’, who has not had two MMR doses can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment.