A measles outbreak has struck the UK, with cases among young people surging in Liverpool. The city’s Alder Hey children’s hospital reported a child’s death from measles, urging others to get vaccinated if they are not up to date.
Measles vaccination rates have fallen across England over the past decade, with 84% of children having received two shots nationwide. In Liverpool, only 73% of five-year-olds have received the necessary vaccine, while in parts of London, uptake is below 65%. To prevent the spread of the virus, experts recommend a vaccination rate of at least 95%.
“It’s not worth the risk of going without this vital protection,” said Chris Streather, medical director for the NHS. “Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable, but catching them is easy when people are unvaccinated.”
Vulnerable individuals, such as those with suppressed immune systems, can still fall seriously ill with measles even if they have had the vaccine. Consultant epidemiologist Dr. Vanessa Saliba emphasized that measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads easily among unvaccinated individuals.
Childhood vaccination programmes have been effective in preventing infections and serious illness, but declining uptake has led to an increase in cases and deaths. Professor Helen Bedford of University College London attributed falling immunization rates to vaccine hesitancy and lack of information on the importance of vaccines.
“Most people, most young parents, have never experienced a really sick child,” Bedford said. “It’s about people not knowing what’s due and when, or how to go about getting it. We need a multi-pronged approach to address access issues.”
Experts stress that vaccination is crucial in preventing the spread of measles and protecting vulnerable individuals. The NHS MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection against becoming seriously unwell, making it essential for those who are not up to date.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/13/parents-urged-to-get-children-vaccinated-after-measles-death-in-liverpool