The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents to prioritise vaccine catch-up appointments during the summer break, with latest data showing continued high levels of measles cases amid fears of a further surge once the new school term begins.
Measles activity has increased since April 2025 and the UKHSA is continuing to oversee the public health risk assessment and working with local partners on the response. The latest monthly update on measles cases in England shows that an additional 145 measles cases have been reported since the last publication on 3 July. Cases continue to predominantly be in children under the age of 10 years with London and parts of the North West driving the increase most.
The latest measles epidemiology report on the UKHSA Data Dashboard reports:
-
since 1 January, there have been 674 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England, an increase of 145 cases since the last report on 3 July 2025
-
48% (322/674) of these cases have been in London, 16% (111 out of 674) in the North West, and 10% (65/674) in the East of England
There has also been a global increase in measles cases, including Europe, over the last year. UKHSA is concerned that holiday travel and international visits to see family this summer could lead to rising measles cases in England when the new school term begins.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said: "The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins. It is never too late to catch up. Do not put it off and regret it later. Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences.
"Two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems cannot have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them."
The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around 3 years and 4 months old.
Around 99% of those who have 2 doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe.
