With measles cases rising, UK launches vaccination drive

After losing its measles elimination status earlier this year, the UK has launched a campaign urging around a million families to book a new four-in-one MMRV vaccine for children who remain unprotected.

From January, the UK started to offer two doses of the MMRV vaccine, which protects against chickenpox (varicella), as well as measles, mumps, and rubella, in place of the older MMR vaccine to children in this age group. MSD's ProQuad and GSK's Priorix-Tetra are the two four-in-one shots approved for use by the NHS.

NHS England said the new drive will target families with children aged 12 months to 11 years who have missed one or both doses of the vaccine and are at risk of "potentially deadly childhood illnesses."

There were 800 cases of measles in the first half of 2026, and two reported deaths, compared to 959 cases for the whole of 2025, and the rising cases mean that the WHO now considers the disease "re-established" in the UK.

One factor is a fall in the MMR vaccination rate in recent years – running at 84.1% in the first quarter of this year – which falls well short of the WHO's target of 95% coverage to establish herd immunity, and was a factor in the UK's loss of elimination status.

There is reported to be low or zero uptake of MMR vaccination in some pockets of the country, with a 7.5% gap in coverage between the least and the most deprived areas of the country.

The new campaign will see parents of children aged under six contacted by their local GP, while families with children aged between six and 11 will be invited to attend a vaccination by the NHS App, SMS, email or letter.

"Measles can be devastating for families, with sometimes tragic consequences, which is why we're reaching out to parents to help them protect their children," said NHS Director of Vaccination, Caroline Temmink.

"These childhood illnesses are serious and some of them in rare cases can be fatal, but they are entirely preventable. This is why GPs based in the communities they know so well are contacting families to help overcome any barriers to getting children the protection they need," she added.

"If you are invited to catch up on your child's vaccinations, please come forward and take up this crucial offer."

Some experts argue that, while vaccine hesitancy is a factor, another problem hindering the UK's childhood immunisation programme is access by parents to vaccination services in some areas due to difficulties like booking appointments, transport issues, and lack of continuity in healthcare.