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Mapped: The resurgence of a Victorian-era disease across the UK

Saturday, February 21, 2026 measles vaccine mmr ukhsa publichealth immunisation outbreak children mmrv enfield

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified falling vaccine uptake as the primary cause behind the resurgence of measles across the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), achieving herd immunity against measles requires 95% vaccine coverage. However, recent data reveals that about one in six children in England have not received both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine by their fifth birthday. In some areas, such as Enfield and Birmingham, vaccination rates are even lower, increasing the risk of outbreaks.