Measles outbreak across the UK

As measles cases continue to rise, NHS North West invites thousands of school children to catch up with life-saving MMR

As measles cases continue to rise, thousands of North West school children, aged 6 – 11, who are yet to have one or both of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines, have started receiving invitations to book a catch up appointment.

In February 2024, NHS England launched a major drive to invite those not fully vaccinated to come forward and catch up on missed doses, with reminders going out through February and March.

Uptake of the vaccine, which is usually given to children aged one and then a second vaccine at around three years and four months, has fallen below the World Health Organisation target of 95% coverage with two doses of MMR vaccine by 5 years.