Achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates is essential to restore measles-free status and prevent future outbreaks.

UK health authorities call for policy improvements and easier vaccine access to reverse the resurgence and shield vulnerable populations.

Uptake declines are worsened by accessibility issues such as appointment availability, transportation, and inconsistent primary care access, hindering vaccination efforts.

The UK, once declared measles-free from 2021 to 2023, faces a resurgence as vaccination uptake declines, prompting catch-up efforts for older children and adults who missed doses.

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications such as brain, lung, and middle ear infections, with potential long-term damage or death in severe cases.

Outside the UK, measles activity is rising in the Americas, with Canada losing measles-free status and the US facing a major outbreak amid vaccine-policy changes under new leadership.

Public health guidance emphasizes maintaining herd immunity, with the WHO noting that at least 95% vaccination coverage is needed for each disease.

declines in MMR uptake—driven by poor access to GP services in inner-city areas and anti-vaccine sentiment— have pushed uptake below 95% in regions like London and the West Midlands, where rates fall to around 74%.

Experts warn that limited access to primary care and health visitors hampers timely vaccination, calling for easier GP access and home immunisations to boost uptake.

Public health officials underscore the danger of measles and stress that timely two-dose vaccination is crucial to achieve elimination and prevent outbreaks.

The piece cites experts including Dr Vanessa Saliba, Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, and Dr Bharat Pankhania as authoritative voices on the measles situation.

Germany is not measles-free, and the WHO warns of rising spread and online misinformation fueling vaccine skepticism, with commentary from Germany’s Robert Koch Institute.