Overview
- WHO’s Regional Verification Commission judged that sustained UK transmission in 2024 re‑established measles, with 3,681 cases recorded, and the decision finalized in September 2024 was released on January 26, 2026.
- England’s two‑dose MMR coverage for five‑year‑olds fell to 83.7% in 2024–25, with one‑dose coverage at 91.9%, both below the 95% threshold needed to prevent ongoing spread.
- The NHS has replaced MMR with the combined MMRV vaccine, offering dose one at 12 months and moving dose two to 18 months, as UKHSA urges catch‑up vaccination for older children and adults.
- Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also lost measles elimination status, which WHO says reflects a wider regional resurgence that demands stronger outreach to under‑vaccinated communities.
- Public health experts warn of serious consequences from low uptake, noting ongoing cases through 2025 and at least one preventable child death linked to recent UK outbreaks.