Measles vaccine plea issued ahead of half term

Parents are being urged to make sure their children are vaccinated before the return to school after the half term break, as measles cases rise across the West Midlands.

According the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data showed there had been 25 lab confirmed cases in the region so far this year, compared to 76 cases in the region for the whole of 2025.

In England there have been 96 confirmed cases this year, with the West Midlands region accounting for 26% of all cases so far.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination would help protect children against serious illness, said the UKHA.

The UK recently lost its measles elimination status, the World Health Organization announced.

The move was based on the spread of cases in 2024 when there were 3,600 suspected cases.

Elimination status means there is no sustained transmission so this decision was largely expected, given the scale of the outbreaks in 2024.

In 2024, figures from the UKHSA showed 329 of 465 (71%) measles cases across England from October 2023 to February 2024 were in the West Midlands.

"Measles can lead to complications such as ear and chest infections, fits, diarrhoea and dehydration in younger children. On rare occasions it can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss.

"In a small number of cases measles can even be fatal," the UKHSA said.

Dr Ash Banerjee, from NHS England in the Midlands said: "Half term offers a natural pause for families, which is a good opportunity to check whether vaccinations are up to date.

"With the new measles data, we want parents and carers to feel supported seeking advice about anything they're unsure of, including the new MMRV vaccine, which extends protection to include measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).

"It's never too late to get up to date on your MMR/MMRV or any other childhood vaccines, for the best protection."

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