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Scientists comment on news that the UK has lost its measles elimination status.
Prof Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, University of Oxford, said:
“With thousands of cases of measles in the UK over the last few years, it was entirely expected that the UK would formally lose its measles elimination status before long. To keep measles away we must sustain immunisation of over 95% of children, but we haven’t done that. This moment is a miserable reflection of the state of measles vaccination in the UK and a very alarming indication of the risk to our children from this potentially fatal disease.”
Dr David Elliman, Honorary Associate Professor in Child Health at UCL GOSH Institute of Child Health, said:
“The loss of measles elimination status indicates that measles is circulating in the population. In 2024 there were almost 3,000 confirmed cases, the most since 2012. Provisional data shows just under 1,000 cases in 2025, however, as measles naturally varies year on year, we cannot afford to be complacent. In both 2024 and 2025, a child died from measles, both of whom had an underlying immunological problem. There were also deaths due to the long term effects of measles. Any death is a tragedy, but more so when we have a very effective vaccine with a good safety profile.
“Unfortunately, the uptake of the vaccine is not high enough to control the disease. There are a number of factors that have led to this. There is a shortage of staff in general practice which means that they may not have the time to talk to parents and answer their concerns. Parents may not be aware of what vaccines are needed and it may be difficult for them to get an appointment. This has been highlighted in the recent CMO Annual Report. An initiative is just starting whereby health visitors will be taking more of a part in vaccination with some giving vaccines at home or in children’s centres. However, the numbers of health visitors has fallen markedly in the recent past and it remains to be seen how effective this will be, without a significant increase in numbers.
“It is to be hoped that this recent WHO announcement will be a wake up call to stimulate improvement. Unfortunately, the trend in the USA to reduce the number of recommended vaccinations will only add to parents’ concerns. All healthcare professionals should be advocates for vaccination.”
Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, Assistant Professor of Global Health & Development at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:
“It is unsurprising the UK has lost its WHO measles elimination status, following nationwide outbreaks since 2024 and the preventable death of a child in 2025. Sustained measles transmission reflects a decade-long decline in routine vaccination coverage and the persistent failure in the UK to reach the 95% measles vaccine coverage threshold recommended by WHO. Profoundly low coverage in areas such as Hackney underscores the unequal distribution of risk and harm to children.
“There is no quick fix for declining vaccination coverage, particularly as the UK government advances policies that simultaneously offer opportunities and create new challenges. Welfare reforms proposed by the current Labour government should be leveraged to reverse this trend and support recovery in vaccination coverage, especially in areas of high deprivation and low uptake. Investment in Best Start hubs and health visiting could strengthen integration across early years services and provide valuable touchpoints to discuss and deliver vaccinations.
“However, the burden of responsibility for childhood immunisation ultimately rests with primary care, which will require sustained support and secure funding to tailor outreach and engage undervaccinated communities. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which plan and fund NHS services at area levels, are expected to reduce operational costs by up to 50% and these risks undermining efforts to strengthen vaccine coverage. If we are to regain our measles elimination status then we must have a coherent, joined-up approach to public health, sadly the opposite to what we are currently seeing across England.”
Dr Bharat Pankhania, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Public Health Medicine at the University of Exeter Medical School, said:
“Measles is an infection that can be prevented by vaccine, and it’s extremely concerning that in the UK we now have pockets of low or no vaccine uptake. We urgently need to remedy this situation. This needs to include easier access to GP practices and more health visitors who can immunise babies in their homes. Of course it’s imperative that we judiciously address the issue of wrong information about the safety of vaccines. We need to have trusted talking heads speaking to the decision-makers – the parents with newborn babies – and addressing their concerns. The low uptake of the MMR vaccine is also an indicator that other vaccine uptake may be lower. We’re already seeing outbreaks of whopping cough, for example, which can be very damaging , and lead to prolonged illness in very young babies. Vaccines are safe and they save lives.”
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
“Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls; measles elimination is only possible if all eligible children receive two MMRV doses before school. Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals.”
Declared interests
Prof Andrew Pollard: Former chair of JCVI
Dr David Elliman: No conflicts of interest
Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush: None
Dr Bharat Pankhania: None
Dr Vanessa Saliba: No conflict of interests to declare
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.