Overview

• Measles cases in the WHO European region jumped to 148,974 in 2024, marking the highest level since 1997
• UK coverage for the first MMR dose dropped to 89% and second dose to 85% last year, placing it lowest among G7 countries
• In Liverpool, MMR uptake is around 74%, well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity
• Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has admitted 17 measles patients since June and reported a child’s death from the disease
• Health experts blame pandemic-related service disruptions, falling public health budgets and online misinformation for declining vaccination rates