HPR volume 20 issue 1: news (29 January 2026)
Published 29 January 2026
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UK loses measles-free status
The World Health Organization (WHO) Europe has confirmed that the UK has lost its ‘measles elimination’ status based on data submitted for 2024. The announcement follows a decade of declining vaccination rates in the UK with coverage for 2 measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) doses in 5-year-olds now at just 83 .7%.
In 2024, 2,911 laboratory confirmed cases of measles cases were reported in England, the highest in decades. Measles activity has been declining since July 2025, but there is a continued risk of further measles outbreaks in areas and communities where vaccine uptake is low.
The UK situation mirrors a resurgence of measles across the WHO European Region (1). In 2024, there were 127,350 cases reported, double that reported in 2023 (n=61,070) and the highest since 1977 (2,3). Measles remains endemic in many countries round the world and so importations into communities with low uptake can lead to further outbreaks occurring.
Because measles is so highly infectious, elimination can only be achieved and sustained when childhood vaccination coverage levels are high, around the WHO 95% target. In order to prevent measles spreading within communities we also need to ensure that older children and adults who missed out when they were younger are caught up.
The UK previously lost elimination status in 2018 due to outbreaks linked to a measles resurgence across Europe. It was regained in 2021 based on a significant decline in measles circulation globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regaining measles elimination status and protecting children in the UK from this serious illness will take a concerted effort across the health system to improve vaccine uptake.
From 1 January 2026, the second measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, MMRV, dose is now being offered at a new earlier appointment when all children reach 18 months, which evidence shows can help improve vaccine uptake. This change aims to ensure more children are fully protected before starting school, when they mix with larger groups.
Further information
UK measles and rubella elimination indicators and status
References
1. Muscat M, Ben Mamou M, Reynen-de Kat C, Jankovic D, Hagan J, Singh S, Datta SS (2024). ‘Progress and challenges in measles and rubella elimination in the WHO European Region’. Vaccines: volume 12, number 6, page 696.
2. WHO Europe (March 2025). ‘European Region reports highest number of measles cases in more than 25 years’ (media release).
3. UNICEF (May 2024). Measles cases across Europe continue to surge, putting millions of children at risk.
Infection reports in this issue
Group A Streptococcal infections: first update on seasonal activity in England, 2025 to 2026
Laboratory confirmed cases of measles, rubella and mumps in England: July to September 2025
Vaccine coverage reports
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine coverage for adolescents in England, academic year 2024 to 2025