Earlier this month, a tragic death was reported at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, where a child suffering from measles and other health complications passed away. The hospital expressed deep concern over the rising number of children and young people contracting measles, noting that since June, it has treated 17 cases involving measles-related complications.
In response to this heartbreaking loss, Health Secretary Wes Streeting addressed Parliament, emphasizing that “no child in this country should be dying of measles.” He called for a renewed commitment to vaccination efforts, underscoring the urgent need to protect children from this preventable disease.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers over 95% protection against these illnesses. Yet, vaccination rates have declined across England, with no council reaching the World Health Organization’s recommended 95% threshold for herd immunity—a critical level needed to prevent disease spread. Alarmingly, in 22 council areas, MMR vaccination rates have fallen below 75%.
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Meanwhile, measles cases are climbing. So far in 2025, there have been 529 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, primarily affecting children aged 10 and under, but also occurring in adolescents and adults.
Hackney, in central London, has the nation’s lowest vaccination rate and ranks second for confirmed measles cases this year. Only 60.8% of children there had received both MMR doses by age five. According to our interactive map, Hackney has reported 46 confirmed cases in 2025.
Only Bristol exceeds Hackney in case numbers, with 47 confirmed measles cases. Despite its higher vaccination rate of 83%, Bristol remains short of the necessary 95% target.
Other areas with significant case counts include Leeds (29), Salford (27), Birmingham (26), and Newham (24). None of the 13 hotspots identified with at least 10 cases surpass a 90% vaccination rate. In four of the highest-infection areas, fewer than 70% of children are fully vaccinated, and eight areas have rates below 80%.
Our interactive map highlights only areas with 10 or more confirmed measles cases, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) withholds detailed data for areas reporting fewer than 10 cases.
Parents and guardians are urged to ensure their children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first at one year old and a second at around three years and four months. Two doses provide approximately 99% protection against measles and rubella, while also reducing the severity of mumps infections.
Anyone who has missed their MMR vaccinations can contact their GP surgery to schedule a catch-up appointment—it’s never too late to protect yourself or your child.