Measles: increasing vaccine uptake is vital in preventing outbreaks

Measles is on the rise with 240 cases in England in January 2024, compared with an average of just 107 a year in the first five years after the two dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination programme was introduced in 1996.1 For those of us working in public health, the situation is concerning, but not at all surprising. Despite offering the best protection against measles, vaccination rates have fallen, with coverage as low as 60% in some areas.2 Of course, 60% is still the majority, and in many areas the rates of parents bringing children forward for vaccination are fortunately much higher.We are, however, dealing with a serious measles outbreak, particularly in the West Midlands and must now face the challenge of reversing the decline in vaccination rates, making receiving the vaccination the social norm, and preventing future outbreaks of this serious disease.Lockdowns have a part to play in…
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