UK No Longer Measles-Free

In January, the UK lost its measles-free status, as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This means that sustained transmission of the disease — which is caused by the highly infectious measles virus — reached a level above that at which its spread can be controlled. The WHO’s decision is based on data from 2024, where cases in England totalled 2,911 — a number not seen in over a decade. Although early figures from 2025 suggested that there had been fewer cases than the previous year (957 in England), the WHO attributes the uptick in measles to falling rates of vaccination.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine — now, as of 2026, offered with added protection against varicella (chickenpox) in the form of the MMRV vaccine — is used to prevent the spread of these viruses. It is administered in children in two doses at twelve and eighteen months, and stimulates the immune system such that it can fight off these pathogens should they infect the body in the future. However, although vaccination rates above 95% are recommended to limit the spread of measles, from 2024 to 2025, only 84.4% of children in the UK had received their two doses of MMR by the age of five.

This substandard statistic has been influenced by a number of factors. Ironically, the original success of the MMR vaccine, which practically eliminated measles in the UK following its introduction in 1988, has made parents complacent in getting their children vaccinated. Many vaccination appointments have also been missed in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These effects have been further compounded by the sudden rise of the modern ‘anti-vaxxer’ movement. The beginnings of this misinformed, conspiratorial crusade can be traced back to false claims that linked the MMR vaccine with autism in children, and have been furthered by dangerous postings on social media, fearmongering during the pandemic, and the unfounded ramblings of US President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.

With this, it comes as no surprise that measles is also rising in the US. After peaking at 2,267 cases last year, 588 cases have already been reported since the beginning of 2026, 94% of which were unvaccinated. Together, this signals a worrying rise in vaccine scepticism and offers a glimpse into the disease-ridden future humanity could be faced with if it is not halted.

However, it is important to acknowledge that not all individuals who refuse vaccination are anti-vax, or have been solely influenced by the anti-vaxxer mob. The NHS has previously recognised that people from minority ethnic groups are more likely to show greater “vaccine hesitancy,”  which differs from anti-vax in that it is driven by valid concerns about the effects of vaccines on health. This is often a result of distrust in the healthcare system, founded in historical discrimination by medical professionals, and racism. To address this, the UK Health Security Agency is hoping to build trust with such minority ethnic groups through targeted outreach and by meeting concerns with evidence, to dispel any fears driven by the spread of misinformation. 

Addressing vaccine hesitancy will play an important part in increasing MMRV vaccine uptake. It will also be crucial for the UK to increase access to vaccination appointments. Indeed, a 2025 study published in the scientific journal Vaccine interviewed 22 parents in England, of whom ten said they struggled to access vaccination services — mainly because of complex booking systems and lack of GP appointments. 

The roadmap for regaining measles elimination status in the UK is clear — improve GP access, address anti-vax claims, and support and inform those who are vaccine hesitant — how quickly this will be done is another matter.

Image from Wikimedia Commons