UK loses 'measles-free status'

The UK initially achieved WHO measles elimination status in 2017, based on data from 2014-2016. However, in 2018, there was a marked increase in the number of confirmed measles cases, with 991 confirmed cases in England and Wales, compared with 284 cases in 2017. 

Furthermore, the same strain of measles virus (called B3 Dublin) was detected for more than 12 months across 2017 and 2018.

Based on this, WHO determined that the UK could no longer be consider as ‘eliminated’ and that transmission of measles had been re-established.

Currently, only 87.2% of children have the second dose of the vaccine, and Prime Miniser, Boris Johnson, has announced that he wants that figure increased to 95%. He is setting out action for health leaders with measures such as writing to all GPs and asking them to promote catch-up programmes for children and young people who haven't had both doses of the MMR.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at public Health England, said: "Losing our 'measles-free' status is a stark reminder of how important it is that every eligible person gets vaccinated. Elimination can only be sustained by maintaining and improving coverage of the MMR vaccine.

"Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to man - only one person travelling back to an area with lower vaccination rates can lead to an outbreak. Anyone who has not received two doses of MMR vaccine is always at risk.

"Making it as easy as possible for parents to access vaccines so that thay can offer their children the best possible start in life is a priority for us, DHSC and for NHS England. Through our Value of Vaccines campaign we'll be using all opportunities to remind people to get two doses of MMR vaccine - whether that's new parents, school children or younger adults. This will be crucial to the UK achieving elimination status again in the future."