Home / Health / Health Officials Warn of Measles Outbreak Risk as Vaccination Rates Drop in West Midlands
Health Officials Warn of Measles Outbreak Risk as Vaccination Rates Drop in West Midlands
16 Aug
Summary
- Measles cases still circulating in West Midlands
- Vaccination rates as low as 75.8% in parts of the region
- WHO recommends 95% uptake to prevent outbreaks
- Birmingham saw 26 confirmed measles cases in early 2025
As the new school year approaches, health officials in the West Midlands are sounding the alarm about the risk of a measles outbreak in the region. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), vaccination rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) jab among 5-year-olds are as low as 75.8% in some areas, well below the 95% target recommended by the World Health Organisation to prevent outbreaks.
The concerns come after Birmingham saw a measles outbreak earlier this year, with 26 confirmed cases reported between January and June 2025. UKHSA's Katie Spence described measles as a "nasty virus" that can spread quickly among unvaccinated children and adults, particularly in settings like schools and nurseries.
With measles cases still circulating in the West Midlands, health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated before the start of the new term. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial to protecting vulnerable individuals and preventing the resurgence of this highly contagious disease.
