The UK has lost its “eliminated” measles status, according to global health officials. The World Health Organisation (WHO) awards countries measles elimination status based on specific criteria.
The global health body confirmed that measles transmission was “re-established” in the UK during 2024. This follows stagnant vaccination rates and a dramatic rise in cases, with 3,681 infections recorded across the UK in 2024.
Between 2021 and 2023, the UK had been recognised as having “eliminated” the disease.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warned: “Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls. Measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two MMRV doses before school.
“Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals.”
Recent UKHSA data for England reveals that during 2024/25, approximately 91.9% of five year olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, unchanged from 2023/24 and representing the lowest figure since 2010/11.
Meanwhile, only 83.7% of five year olds had received both MMR doses, declining from 83.9% year-on-year and marking the lowest level since 2009/10.
The World Health Organisation advises that a minimum of 95% of children should be vaccinated against each disease to establish herd immunity. In January, health authorities revealed that youngsters in the UK will now be offered the MMRV jab, which guards against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
A WHO spokesperson said the UK’s change of status “reflects a broader challenge” that the organisation is facing across Europe.
They added: “Outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases are threats to health security in Europe, alongside antimicrobial resistance and other emerging threats.
“Persistent immunity gaps led to a region-wide resurgence in measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases in 2024 and a decrease in the number of countries that have achieved or sustained measles elimination status.
“Through strengthened surveillance, improved outbreak response, and focused efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities, all countries can achieve and sustain elimination.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
