NHS England is aiming to improve vaccine coverage with a new campaign drive targeting children aged from 12-months to 11-years old who have missed one or both doses of the measles vaccine.
In addition to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR/V), the vaccine will also include protection against chickenpox (Varicella). Parents of children aged under six will be contacted by their local GP; while families with children aged between six and 11 will be invited by the NHS App, SMS, email or letter. The campaign will run until March 2027.
Figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there were over 800 cases of measles in the first half of 2026 and two reported deaths; compared to 959 cases for the whole of 2025. There have been clusters of measles cases reported in areas of the country, with every region of England seeing cases.
Figures also show a gap of 7.5% in vaccine coverage between the least and the most deprived areas of the country. The vaccination rate for both MMR doses at age five years in England is 84.1% (Jan – March 2026), lower than the 95% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and in January this year the WHO confirmed that the UK had lost its measles elimination status.
NHS Director of Vaccination Caroline Temmink said: “Measles can be devastating for families, with sometimes tragic consequences, which is why we’re reaching out to parents to help them protect their children. These childhood illnesses are serious and some of them in rare cases can be fatal, but they are entirely preventable.”