Image shows young boy receiving a vaccination in his arm.

Molly Finlay

The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national incident amidst a surge in measles cases and historically low vaccine uptake. 

Health professionals have warned that a measles outbreak in the West Midlands could spread to other towns and cities, urging people across the country to check their vaccination status.

In 2023, there were 1,603 suspected cases of measles in England and Wales, compared with just 735 in 2022, and 360 in 2021.

Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “The focus this morning is on the West Midlands, but I think the real issue is we need a call to action right across the country.”

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. 

It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and can cause severe disease, complications and even death. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. 

One person infected by measles can infect nine out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. 

Measles can affect anyone, but is most common in children.

Why Are Measles Cases Rising?

As of the 18th of January, there have been 216 confirmed cases of measles in the West Midlands since October last year.

Around 80 per cent of these cases have been in Birmingham, which has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the UK.

According to health experts, cases of measles have multiplied as vaccination rates in some parts of the country are not high enough to prevent the virus from spreading.

In some areas of London, nearly half of children have not been fully vaccinated against measles. 

In 2017, the UK achieved elimination status for measles, meaning that although cases of the disease can still occur, they will be isolated and only have limited spread within the community.

“WHO recommends two-dose vaccination coverage of at least 95 per cent of the population to ensure the proper control of measles.”

However, in 2018 the UK lost elimination status due to a marked increase in cases linked to a measles resurgence across Europe. 

WHO recommends two-dose vaccination coverage of at least 95 per cent of the population to ensure the proper control of measles. 

The MMR vaccine, which is taken to prevent the disease, is offered to all children in the UK for free. It also protects recipients from mumps and rubella. 

According to the BBC, in cities like Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham, only 75 per cent of five-year-olds have received two doses of the vaccine.

Why Are Measles Vaccination Rates So Low?

According to WHO, the Covid-19 pandemic led to setbacks in immunisation. 

Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health at University College London, told the BBC: “Some parents were afraid to attend clinics for fear of catching Covid or because they were not clear that vaccination services were continuing.”

Another potential reason for low vaccination rates is that eligible adults and parents may have been swayed by anti-vaccination conspiracies. 

In 1998, gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield hypothesised that the MMR vaccine was linked to autism in children. This theory has since been debunked, and Wakefield was later disbarred from practising medicine. 

Dr Naveed Syed, a consultant in health protection for UKHSA told the BBC: “It’s a challenge to try and overturn some of those myths, which have become more embedded in some communities.”

Dr Rachel Clarke, a palliative care doctor wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Measles can — and does — cause brain damage, disability & death. If you’re thinking of not vaccinating your kids, please, please chat to a nurse or doctor.”

Additionally, vaccine uptake has varied among different cultures and communities due to the use of porcine gelatine in the MMR jab. 

Dame Jenny Harries reiterated that a halal version of the vaccine is available. 

She also encouraged those born between 1998 and 2004 to check their vaccination status, as many of this group — known as the ‘Wakefield Cohort‘ — may have missed their vaccinations due to the scare linked to Andrew Wakefield during this period. 

What Now?

Health experts say that it is crucial to encourage parents to have their children vaccinated against measles.

In London, mobile vaccination clinics have been set up to increase take-up of the jab in the borough of Camden, where one in four children start school behind on their MMR vaccination. It is hoped that pop up clinics such as these will offer a convenient way for parents to ensure their children can be vaccinated.

Older children and adults can also catch up on the jabs at any point by making an appointment through their GP.

Harries ended her discussion with BBC Radio 4 by saying: “It’s clearly important that communities have good information in a way which is meaningful for them, it’s accessible to them, and that doesn’t necessarily mean just a pamphlet or a translation.”

Generally, despite our concerns, the UK population are confident in the vaccine delivery and particularly in the advice they get from primary care and the NHS.” 

As mayor of one of the worst affected areas of the UK, London’s Sadiq Khan wrote on X: “There has been a rise in the number of measles cases in England. Children who get measles can be very poorly and some will suffer life changing complications.”

The best way for parents to protect their children from measles is the MMR vaccine.”

NHS advice on measles and vaccination can be found online or through your GP. 

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Featured image courtesy of CDC via Unsplash. No changes made to this image. Image license found here.

Having recently graduated from an MA in Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University, Molly is a freelance journalist with an interest in politics and current affairs, particularly issues surrounding women and reproductive healthcare. Molly has worked as a BBC Young Reporter during COP26 and has written for Holyrood Magazine as well as Deadline News, with bylines in the Sun, Daily Express and the Mirror.

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