Measles warning after rise in cases across England

Health leaders across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are urging families to check that children are up to date with their MMRV vaccinations, which protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, following an increase in cases across England.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children.

Vanessa Whatley, chief nursing officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (NHS STW), said: "Measles is a highly infectious illness, and it spreads very quickly among people who haven’t received both recommended doses of the MMRV vaccine.

"With measles cases rising, we are urging families to check their children are up to date with their routine vaccinations to help protect them and the wider community."

The call to action follows the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which confirm that 96 cases of measles were recorded in England between January 1 and February 9.

Of those, 79 cases were reported in the four-week period following January 12.

The West Midlands accounted for 25 laboratory-confirmed cases – around 26 per cent of the national total.

By comparison, 76 cases were recorded in the region during the whole of 2025.

Measles can result in complications including ear and chest infections, fits, diarrhoea and dehydration.

In rare cases, it can cause meningitis, blindness, hearing loss, and can be fatal.

The MMRV vaccine is given as two doses and includes protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

The vaccine, which replaces the previous MMR jab, is offered at 12 months of age, with a second dose given at 18 months for children born on or before July 31, 2024.

A porcine gelatine-free version of the vaccine is also available for families who prefer it.

Children born between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2022, will be offered a single dose of the MMRV vaccine from November 2026 as part of a catch-up.

Older children who are above the age of six are likely to have already had chickenpox and will continue to be eligible for the MMR vaccine.

These changes are based on clinical advice aimed at improving protection for children against infectious diseases.

Eligible children will receive invitations from their GP practices to attend for vaccination, in line with other routine childhood immunisations.

Further details about routine vaccinations, including schedules and clinic locations, are available on the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin website.