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Measles hotspots rise as vaccination gaps widen
Rising measles cases prompt a push for summer catch-up vaccinations across England, with Hackney at the center of the outbreak.
Public health officials urge summer catch-up vaccinations as measles cases rise, with Hackney at the center of the trend.
Measles hotspots emerge as vaccines lag across boroughs
Measles cases have risen in England this year, with 674 lab-confirmed cases since January and 145 new cases since early July. Hackney has the highest local total with 79 cases, and Staffordshire has recorded 13.
Most cases affect children under 10. London accounts for about half of all cases, while new cases have appeared in Liverpool, Knowsley, Salford and several London boroughs. The World Health Organization target of 95% vaccination is not met in any council area, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks. Public health officials are urging parents to book catch-up vaccinations during the summer holidays, and NHS England says vaccination buses and community sessions will be deployed to areas with higher case counts.
Key Takeaways
"The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date"
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UK Health Security Agency
"Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease"
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UK Health Security Agency
"Vaccination is the best protection against measles"
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England
"Two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles"
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UK Health Security Agency
The data show stark gaps in vaccination uptake that drive the outbreak. Hackney’s two-dose coverage by age five sits at about 61%, well below the 95% target and a warning that herd immunity is slipping. No council area reaches the ideal threshold, and London’s share of cases highlights urban risk where access and acceptance may differ from national averages. The government’s response leans on catch-up campaigns and mobile clinics, but success will depend on sustained access and trust long after the summer lull ends. A broader question remains: how will local authorities fund expanded outreach if case numbers persist and pressure grows on public services?
Highlights
- The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date
- Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease
- Vaccination is the best protection against measles
- It is never too late to catch up and avoid regret later
Public health risk from rising measles cases
Rising measles cases across multiple boroughs and uneven vaccination uptake could strain health services and attract political and budget scrutiny as authorities expand outreach.
The coming weeks will test whether access and trust can keep pace with case growth.
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