Low MMR Vaccine Rates Pose Risk of Possible Measles Outbreak
Modelling by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has suggested that, unless MMR vaccination rates improve, London could see a measles outbreak with tens of thousands of cases.
People who have never received a measles vaccine (MMR) are at risk. MMR is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme. Parents whose infants missed out, or anyone of any age unvaccinated, are urged to come forward.
Susceptibility is particularly high among 19 to 25 year olds, affected by unfounded stories in the early 2000s and some may still not be fully vaccinated.
The NHS has launched a campaign encouraging people to check their vaccination status, with targeted outreach to groups in London. There has been a steady rise in measles cases this year and a risk assessment warns of a possible resurgence in measles.
The UKHSA says the risk of a measles epidemic across the UK is considered low but with lower vaccination rates in London, an outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases could happen in the capital, with a high risk of cases linked to overseas travel leading to outbreaks in specific population groups such as young people and under-vaccinated communities.
The risk in London is primarily due to low vaccination rates over several years, further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in some areas and groups where coverage of the first MMR dose at 2 years of age is as low as 69.5%.
Parents should check their children are fully vaccinated with 2 MMR doses, which gives 99% life-long protection, by checking their red book or with their GP practice, which younger and older adults can also do. Anyone not up-to-date should make an appointment as soon as possible.
Achieving high vaccination coverage across the population, ‘herd immunity’, is important as it indirectly helps protect very young infants (under one) and other vulnerable groups.
All children at primary school who have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine are being offered the opportunity to get up to date at school. Parents of those children will be contacted by the NHS school immunisation service. Parents of younger children or those who are home-schooled can make an appointment with their GP practice or visit a community clinic.
