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Vaccines

Urgent Call to Action: Parents in West Midlands Warned of Measles Risk as Schools Reopen

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Measles cases have continued to rise in some parts of the country, with the West Midlands being of particular concern due to low vaccine uptake. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with routine vaccinations before the new school term begins, citing the risk of further outbreaks and a surge in cases once children return to school. In the West Midlands, the average uptake of two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine by age five is 84.3 per cent, leaving many thousands of children unprotected.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on parents in the West Midlands to ensure their children are up-to-date with routine vaccinations before the new school term begins.
  • The latest data shows continued high levels of measles cases in some parts of the country, with 674 laboratory-confirmed cases in England since January 1.
  • The region of the West Midlands has seen some of the highest rates in the country during measles outbreaks in 2023/24, particularly in areas of low vaccine uptake.
  • The average uptake of two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine by age five in the West Midlands is 84.3 per cent, dropping as low as 75.8 per cent in some parts.
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that 95 per cent uptake is needed to stop outbreaks and protect the population.
  • Parents can check their child's vaccination record via the Red Book, the NHS app, or by contacting their GP surgery.

Statistics:

  • 674 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England since January 1.
  • 34 of these cases (5 per cent) were in the West Midlands.
  • The average uptake of two doses of the MMR vaccine by age five in the West Midlands is 84.3 per cent.
  • The lowest uptake rate in the West Midlands is 75.8 per cent.

Sources:

  • "Parents in West Midlands warned of measles risk as schools reopen" on the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website, no date specified.
  • UKHSA regional deputy director for the West Midlands, Katie Spence, cited as saying "Measles is a nasty virus which spreads very quickly in communities where many children and adults are unvaccinated with MMR...".

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