Around a million families are being urged to protect their
children against the spread of measles and other potentially
deadly childhood illnesses, as part of a new NHS vaccination
drive.
Children aged from 12-months to 11 years old who have missed one
or both doses of the vaccine, will be invited as part of the NHS
England's campaign which runs until March next year.
In addition to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR/V), the vaccine
will also include protection against chickenpox (Varicella).
Parents of children aged under six will be contacted by their
local GP. While families with children aged between six and 11,
will be invited by the NHS App, SMS, email or letter.
Figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show
there were over 800 cases of measles in the first half of 2026
and two reported deaths, compared to 959 cases for the whole of
2025. There have been clusters of measles cases reported in areas
of the country, with every region of England seeing cases.
Figures also show a gap of 7.5% in vaccine coverage between the
least and the most deprived areas of the country.
The vaccination rate for both MMR doses at age five years in
England is 84.1% (Jan March 2026), lower than the 95% target set
by the World Health Organization (WHO) and in January this year
the WHO confirmed that the UK had lost its measles elimination
status.
NHS director of vaccination Caroline Temmink
said: 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.
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.
If you are invited to catch up on your child's vaccinations,
please come forward and take up this crucial
offer.
Public Health Minister said: Vaccination
is one of the most effective ways to protect children from
serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
These illnesses can be devastating, but they are preventable
through routine childhood immunisation.
If you've been contacted by the NHS to catch up on your child's
vaccinations, I encourage you to take up this offer as soon as
possible. Making sure children are fully vaccinated means we can
help keep them healthy, protect vulnerable people in our
communities and prevent future outbreaks.
