UKHSA warns of back-to-school measles surge in East Midlands

East Midlands parents are being urged to make sure their children catch-up on missed vaccinations before heading back to the classroom.

The urgent call from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) comes as a Childhood Immunisation Campaign across England is being scaled up, amid fears of a further surge in measles cases as the new school term begins.

UKHSA and NHS England, together with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), are reminding parents and carers of the risk of children missing out on protection against serious diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio.

The risk increases as children start to gather together again in school following the summer holidays, meaning infections can easily spread among children who aren’t protected. The vaccination information campaign is being increased as a result, to help spread the message further.

Since 1st January 2024, there have been a number of major measles outbreaks across the country including in the East Midlands, West Midlands and London resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.

Around 8% of all cases occurred in the East Midlands - making it the third highest region for confirmed measles cases.

Of the 2,387 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England between 1st January and 26th Aug 2024, 182 were in the East Midlands with 123 cases in Leicester – the fourth highest hotspot in the country. There were also 12 in Nottingham, 11 in Leicestershire and 10 in West Northamptonshire.

Dr Kakoli Choudhury, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East Midlands, said: “Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles. Unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications and no parent wants this for their child.

“It is encouraging that parents, whose children have missed vaccines are now coming forward, but we are a long way from ensuring all are protected and safe. And importantly vaccination is also about not spreading the disease to others who may be more vulnerable.

“Measles is highly infectious and is still circulating in many areas across the country. It only takes one case to get into a school or nursery where many children are unprotected for numbers to suddenly surge.

“Our campaign will be visible across multi-media channels and sees children urging their parents to get them protected.

“Parents should check their child’s vaccinations Red Book to ensure they are up to date with MMR and all their vaccines. If unsure, contact your GP practice, who can check and provide the vaccinations your child needs. Don’t put it off, please act today.”

Wide-ranging MMR catch-up activities have been ongoing since August 2023 led by NHS and other partners, to target communities with low uptake for children who missed MMR vaccines.

An MMR Evaluation Report published today by UKHSA assesses the impact of the catch-up activity. This shows that parents are coming forward and there has been a significant increase in MMR uptake, particularly among deprived and ethnic communities. The report shows between August 2023 – April 2024:

• The NHS has delivered 180,000 additional doses, with over 51,000 of these given to children aged 5 or under;
• over 13% of previously unvaccinated children aged 5 years or under were vaccinated with MMR1 during the campaign period compared to baseline;
• a 4.9% increase in uptake of MMR2 in Black, Black British, Caribbean, or African children aged between 3 years 7 months and 5 years.

However, MMR uptake rates are still too low in some areas in England and there is still potential to see outbreaks, particularly as children start mixing more on starting or returning to school.

Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. It can be a very nasty illness and, in some children, can be very serious, leading to hospitalisation and life-long complications and tragically even death in rare cases. Getting vaccinated not only gives children protection but it also helps to prevent the spread of the disease and protect those more vulnerable.

The campaign will share the urgent message that “if children aren’t vaccinated, they’re not protected” with parents across the country for the next six weeks. This will go live as the new early years settings and school term begins, in an attempt to prevent a rise in measles cases similar to that seen in October 2023.

The emotive campaign delivers a powerful message told from the perspective of children about the rising risk of childhood diseases. Parents and carers will see the campaign across broadcast TV, on demand and community TV as well as radio, outdoor posters and social media. It is running with higher coverage in London, the West Midlands and the North West where vaccine uptake is lowest.

Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said: “The NHS is clear that measles can be really dangerous and so it is critical that children get vaccinated.

“So far, NHS efforts have led to thousands more young people getting protected, with over 13% of previously unvaccinated children under the age of five getting protected, but we know there is more to do.

“We are encouraging parents to come forward if their children are not fully protected and have been invited by their GP.”

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “Measles cases have spiked significantly in recent years and can spread quickly among those who are unvaccinated. It can be a serious and sometimes deadly disease. Vaccines are our best form of protection, and it is vital that children receive all their vaccinations.

“With the autumn term just around the corner, I am urging all parents to catch up on any missed jabs to keep children safe as they return to the classroom or nursery.”