Childhood vaccination rates in the UK have fallen to their lowest point in a decade, and measles—a disease once eliminated in the country—has made a significant comeback, particularly in London. A new map reveals the hotspots and vaccine coverage in your area.
Measles Cases on the Rise
This year alone, laboratory tests have confirmed 442 measles cases across the UK. Children have been admitted to hospital suffering from complications that are entirely preventable. The disease had been eliminated in the UK, but recent outbreaks began in 2023 and escalated in 2024, when nearly 3,000 cases were recorded—the highest figure in over a decade.
In January this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared that the virus had re-established endemic transmission. The MMR jab, now updated to include chickenpox (MMRV), remains the most effective protection against measles.
Declining Vaccine Uptake
Uptake of the MMR vaccine has declined in recent years, falling well short of the 95% coverage target that WHO says is crucial for achieving herd immunity. Latest figures show that just 83.7% of children in England completed the full two-dose MMR course, while 91.8% received the first jab.
However, in certain areas, rates are considerably lower. In Enfield, North London, where 97 measles cases have been confirmed so far this year, only 79.3% of children have received the first MMR dose, with merely 64.3% completing the full course. This means approximately 1,600 children in Enfield who turned five last year remain unprotected.
Vaccine rates are even lower in Hackney, where just 58.3% of children are fully protected. Although no lab-confirmed cases have been reported in Hackney this year, there were 133 cases last year—more than anywhere else in England.
Reasons Behind the Decline
There are numerous reasons behind the decline in vaccine uptake, including issues around access, inequality, and vaccine skepticism driven by misinformation. The consequences have been stark, with the return of a preventable illness that plagued Victorian Britain but had been effectively wiped out through vaccination programmes until recently.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "We are very concerned about the decline in MMR vaccine uptake over the past decade. As we have seen in the past few years, measles outbreaks can return quickly in areas with low childhood vaccine uptake. The MMR or MMRV vaccine is the best way to protect your child from this nasty disease that can lead to them ending up in hospital and leave some children with long-term health issues."
She added: "We can only stop measles outbreaks occurring when we ensure children in all areas and communities take up their two doses of the MMRV vaccine before they start school. Older children and adults who missed vaccinations can catch up through their GP practice whatever their age. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals."
How to Check Your Area
The interactive map allows residents to see vaccination rates and measles cases in their area. It highlights the urgent need for increased uptake to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.
