Call for parents to get their kids vaccinated amid concerns over low jab rates
Fresh calls have been made to West Midlands parents to get their children vaccinated before they return to school, amid concerns over low take-up rates.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the region has one of the lowest rates in the country for children being up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jabs.
Figures show the average uptake of two doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five is 84.3 per cent in the West Midlands, dropping as low as 75.8 per cent in some parts.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 95 per cent uptake is needed to stop outbreaks occurring and protect the population.
Health bosses said this means thousands of children are unprotected against these diseases, and the risk of outbreaks occurring while measles is circulating around the country remains high.
West Midlands parents are being urged to use the summer holidays to get children up to date with routine vaccinations before the new school term begins.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on families to make sure children are protected as latest data shows continued high levels of measles cases in some parts of the country, prompting fears of more outbreaks and a further surge in cases once children return to the classroom.
The most recent available measles data shows there were 674 confirmed cases in England since January 1, 34 of which were in the West Midlands.
At a NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board meeting last month, members heard cases have stabilised in Birmingham after more than 360 cases were recorded in 2024.
Between January 1 and June 30 this year, there had been 26 confirmed cases in the city.
Despite this, there are concerns that there could be another outbreak with unvaccinated people going on holiday, picking up measles and bringing it back home.
This year, measles outbreaks have been seen in several other European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany.
The WHO recently reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have some of the largest numbers of measles cases worldwide.
Katie Spence, UKHSA regional deputy director for the West Midlands, said: “Measles is a nasty virus which spreads very quickly in communities where many children and adults are unvaccinated with MMR, especially in nurseries and schools.
“It can lead to serious health problems including ear and chest infections, inflammation of the brain, with some children ending up in hospital and being left with permanent disabilities. Tragically, in rare cases, it can even be fatal.
“As children under the age of one cannot be vaccinated against measles, it’s important siblings are vaccinated to protect little ones and other vulnerable people – including those with weakened immune systems – who are unable to have the MMR vaccine and rely on the rest of us to protect them from measles.
“Before children start full-time school, they should have had two MMR vaccines, giving them the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
“Please take advantage of the summer break to check your children are up-to-date with all their vaccinations, including MMR.
“If parents are unsure about their child’s vaccination record, they can check their Red Book, the NHS app or contact their GP surgery.
“It takes around two weeks, following vaccination to ensure strong protection, so please book an appointment as soon as possible.”
