Reversing declining MMR vaccination rates and building vaccine confidence in local communities is critical to avert future measles outbreaks, says Amanda Healy
Measles is on the rise with 240 cases in England in January 2024, compared with an average of just 107 a year in the first five years after the two dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination programme was introduced in 1996.1 For those of us working in public health, the situation is concerning, but not at all surprising. Despite offering the best protection against measles, vaccination rates have fallen, with coverage as low as 60% in some areas.2 Of course, 60% is still the majority, and in many areas the rates of parents bringing children forward for vaccination are fortunately much higher.
We are, however, dealing with a serious measles outbreak, particularly in the West Midlands and must now face the challenge of reversing the decline in vaccination rates, making receiving the vaccination the social norm, and prev
West-midlands
United-kingdom-general
United-kingdom
Andrew-wakefield
Amanda-healy