Home / Health / Measles Returns: Hundreds Infected, Lowest Jab Rates in a Decade
Measles Returns: Hundreds Infected, Lowest Jab Rates in a Decade
10 Apr
Summary
- Hundreds of measles cases confirmed in early 2026 across England.
- Vaccination rates are at their lowest in a decade, below 95%.
- New MMRV vaccine replaces MMR for younger children from January 2026.
Measles cases are on the rise in England, with hundreds confirmed in the early weeks of 2026 and every region reporting infections. This surge follows a significant increase in cases in 2024 and 2025, marking a renewed resurgence of the highly infectious disease. Declining vaccination rates, now below the crucial 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, are a primary concern.
Health officials have issued a national warning, urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated. Measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and meningitis, posing the greatest risk to babies, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. From January 1, 2026, the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox, has replaced the routine MMR jab for younger children, while older individuals can still receive the MMR vaccine.
The UK Health Security Agency emphasizes the importance of high vaccination coverage to prevent widespread outbreaks. The measles vaccine, introduced in 1968, has historically prevented millions of cases and thousands of deaths in the UK.
