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Measles rise triggers call for catch-up vaccination
Salford records 35 measles cases as health officials urge vaccination catch-up during holidays to protect at-risk groups.
Rising measles cases in Salford highlight gaps in vaccination and access to care that communities are learning to navigate again.
Measles returns as the city faces rising cases in Greater Manchester
Salford is reporting the third-highest measles caseload in England, with 35 confirmed cases by lab tests, an increase of eight in the past month. Across the UK there have been 674 cases since the start of the year, most in children under 10, according to UK Health Security Agency data. The country was once declared measles free by the World Health Organization, but health officials warn that the virus is reappearing amid uneven vaccine uptake and broader social factors that influence access to care.
Public health experts point to a mix of Covid-19 disruptions, vaccine fatigue, and persistent misinformation as reasons why vaccination rates for the measles, mumps and rubella jab have fallen. In Salford, only about 81% of children have received both MMR doses by age five, with even lower figures in nearby Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale. The human cost is highlighted by the story of Rebecca Archer and her daughter Renae, whose death years after a measles infection underscores the lasting harm of gaps in protection and surveillance.
Key Takeaways
"There are parents who are anxious about vaccinating their children – but that’s only one small part of the answer."
Professor Steven Taylor on the limits of blaming hesitancy alone
"I don’t know how I coped, I just had to stay strong because Renae was being strong."
Rebecca Archer on the impact of her daughter's illness and death
"If you are a parent, carer, grandparent of a child that’s eligible, make sure your child gets vaccinated."
Call to action from a paediatric expert
"This vaccine has a proven track record, no side effects, but it saves your life."
Public health reassurance about vaccine safety
This situation shows how public health is shaped as much by trust and access as by science. When routine care weakens, communities with fewer resources lose a critical line of defense. The erosion of ties to trusted healthcare professionals, like GPs and health visitors, drives people to rely on incomplete information and convenience over prevention. The measles resurgence is framed not only as a medical setback but as a test of social equity and local health infrastructure.
To fix it, investments must go beyond posters and catch-up campaigns. Communities need reliable, accessible care—more paediatric presence in neighborhoods, flexible clinic hours, and clear, consistent information that anchors public understanding in facts rather than fear. Tackling the cost and logistical barriers that prevent vaccination is as important as countering misinformation.
Highlights
- Vaccines save lives not excuses.
- Open your eyes before it's too late.
- Trust a doctor not a rumor.
- Herd immunity starts with every child vaccinated.
Public health and vaccination challenges raise risk around policy and trust
The measles resurgence intersects with budget concerns, political attention, and public reaction. The article highlights disparities in vaccine uptake and access to care, which can fuel controversy and backlash if not addressed with clear, sustained support for vaccination programs.
Health protection is built on steady, local access and trust, not sudden campaigns.
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