The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning that further outbreaks of measles could spread across Britain, as it declared a national incident in response to a surge in cases and low vaccine uptake. Recent figures from the agency indicate a sharp rise in measles cases, with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake at its lowest level in over a decade, prompting concerns.
Dame Jenny Harries, the CEO of UKHSA, expressed her concerns, stating, “This is a call right across the country for all parents to check the vaccination rates of their children.” She emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue as she prepared to travel to the West Midlands, which has witnessed the largest recent outbreak of measles outside London.
Data released by the agency disclosed 216 lab-confirmed cases in the West Midlands since last October, with an additional 103 likely cases. Approximately 80% of these cases were reported in Birmingham, and 10% in Coventry, both attributed to low vaccination rates, with most cases affecting children under 10 years old.
Harries highlighted a decline in the average number of children starting school with both MMR doses, dropping to 85%. In some areas of the West Midlands, the figures dipped to 81%, and in the NHS Surrey Heartlands region, they were slightly above 70%. Birmingham Children’s Hospital has treated over 50 measles cases in the past month.
“We are well under the recommended coverage for MMR vaccination,” Harries emphasized, stating the aim is to achieve a 95% vaccination rate. Measles, beginning with cold-like symptoms followed by a rash, can lead to severe illness, with 20-40% of affected children hospitalized, according to the UKHSA. Despite the UK eliminating measles in 2016 and 2017, the disease resurfaced in 2018.
The MMR jab is administered in two doses, the first at one year and the second at three years and four months. The World Health Organization recommends at least 95% vaccination coverage for diseases preventable by vaccines.
Between January and November 2023, England reported 209 lab-confirmed cases of measles, with nearly half in London. The UKHSA noted rising cases after outbreaks in the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and the Humber.
There is growing concern that the virus is spreading to London, where up to 20% of children are entering school unvaccinated. In response, the UKHSA is urging vaccination and raising awareness about the risks associated with low vaccination rates, particularly in inner-city areas where rates are low.
London has the lowest percentage of children receiving both doses, with Hackney at 56.3% and Camden at 63.6%. In areas like Camden, mobile vaccination clinics are being offered to address the challenge of organizing appointments for parents.
Harries stressed the importance of providing accessible information and addressing concerns, especially related to the use of porcine gelatine in some MMR vaccines. She highlighted the need for information to be disseminated by trusted community leaders and made available in a meaningful and accessible way. Despite concerns, Harries noted that the UK population generally has confidence in vaccine delivery and advice from primary care and the NHS.
