Children at risk of catching measles as vaccine rates fall to new low

Children are at risk of catching measles as vaccination rates for MMR fall to new low after focus on Covid

• Uptake of measles, mumps and rubella jabs has fallen to lowest level in a decade
• Experts said focus on Covid means measles now ‘waiting in the wings’ to resurge
• They fear it will be brought in from countries with higher levels of the disease
• Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation or immune system damage

One in seven children now start school at risk of catching deadly measles after vaccination rates plummeted in the pandemic.

Uptake of the two measles, mumps and rubella jabs – given to children aged one and three – has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, the UK Health Security Agency warned yesterday.

Experts said the focus on Covid means measles is now ‘waiting in the wings’ to stage a resurgence. 

They worry that, with international travel resuming, it will be brought in from countries that have higher levels of the disease. 

Measles can lead to pneumonia and brain inflammation – and damage the immune system.

One in seven children now start school at risk of catching deadly measles after vaccination rates plummeted in the pandemic

Since the introduction of the vaccine in 1968 it is estimated that 20million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK but Britain lost its ‘measles free’ status from the World Heath Organisation in 2019.

Children need two vaccinations – at aged one and aged three – to be fully protected against measles.

Figures published yesterday, covering July to September last year, show 88.6 per cent of children had their first dose by aged two while just 85.5 per cent have had both doses aged five.

This is the lowest level in a decade and down from an uptake of 95 per cent for the first jab five years ago.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 95 per cent of children need to be vaccinated to keep measles away, and two doses give 99 per cent protection against measles and rubella.

Health officials are today launching a major new campaign calling on parents to get their children vaccinated following a dramatic drop in routine immunisations during the pandemic.

Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation, as well as damaging the immune system.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: ‘The MMR vaccine offers the best protection from measles, mumps and rubella which is why we’re calling on parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with their two doses.

‘Even a small drop in vaccine coverage can have a big impact on population immunity levels and lead to outbreaks.

‘I would urge parents to check if their children are up to date with their MMR vaccines and if not to get them booked in as soon as they are able. It’s never too late to catch-up.’

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, said: ‘It is incredibly important that all parents and guardians ensure their child is up to date with their routine vaccinations, including MMR, as these vaccines give children crucial protection against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community.

‘If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection against disease.’

Uptake of the two measles, mumps and rubella jabs – given to children aged one and three – has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, the UK Health Security Agency warned yesterday (stock image)

Professor Helen Bedford, from the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, said: ‘There has been so much focus on Covid over the past two years, but we mustn’t forget about measles which has not gone away.

‘Because of the measures brought in to stop Covid spreading, such as lockdowns, we have seen very low numbers of cases of measles over the past year or so. However, there has also been a small drop in vaccine uptake.

‘Measles is extremely infectious (much more than Covid) and can be very serious in both children and adults, making them feel very ill and for some, leading to complications such as pneumonia, fits and inflammation of the brain. Because measles is so infectious, any drop in vaccine uptake is very worrying as it may result in outbreaks.

‘The MMR vaccine provides protection against measles as well and mumps and rubella (German measles). It has been in use since the 1970s (1988 in UK), has a good safety record and is highly effective, with two doses needed for best protection.

‘It is never too late for children, young people and young adults to have their MMR vaccine and they can have a second dose even where there has been a long gap since the first. If you have any questions about the vaccine, or are unsure if your child has had two doses, you can check their vaccine record in the red book (personal child health record) and talk to your GP, practice nurse or health visitor.

‘Measles is waiting in the wings, but we can prevent it resurging through vaccination.’ 

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