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England Advances Second MMR Dose to 18 Months to Combat Measles Resurgence

Lord Vallance has issued warnings about dangerous immunity gaps after MMR uptake dropped below levels needed to prevent outbreaks.

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Overview

  • Measles cases in England reached 2,911 in 2024, marking the highest tally since 2012 and resulting in one death.
  • Fewer than 84% of five-year-olds received both MMR doses last year, falling short of the 95% coverage required for herd immunity.
  • Kensington and Chelsea reported the lowest uptake at 52.7% among five-year-olds, underscoring stark regional disparities in vaccination rates.
  • Experts cite post-pandemic scepticism, vaccine fatigue and lingering autism rumours for the decline in childhood immunisation.
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will move the second MMR dose to 18 months from January 1, 2026 to strengthen early childhood protection against measles.