The UK Health Security agency (UKHSA) has declared a national health incident due to the rising number of cases of measles.
The increase is brought about by the low take-up of the MMR vaccination with a country average of only 85% (and as low as 75% in London) of children starting school being fully vaccinated – far below the required 95%. Measles is the most infectious of diseases (way more than Covid or flu) and can be an incredibly serious illness with up to 40% of sick children needing to be hospitalised.
Parents are advised to check the vaccination status of their children and ensure they have catch-up vaccination if required.
There is also a suggestion that adults (including older adults who had measles before vaccination started) should consider a booster jab as although immunity is long-lasting it can decline. We don’t know if such boosters are, or will be, available on the NHS as currently all we’ve seen is a suggestion in the media.
Guardian report of UKHSA position: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/19/surge-in-measles-cases-prompts-uk-to-declare-national-health-incident
Report suggesting adult measles boosters: https://theconversation.com/measles-is-the-most-infectious-disease-known-to-science-adults-should-consider-getting-another-mmr-vaccine-221291