Over a quarter of 2026 measles cases in the UK confirmed in the West Midlands as expert warns 'areas of the UK are vaccinated less than Afghanistan' - here's where to get your jabs

The West Midlands has accounted for over a quarter of the national figures with 25 laboratory-confirmed cases so far. The entirety of the West Midlands only saw 76 cases throughout the whole year in 2025.

Measles can lead to complications such as ear and chest infections, fits, diarrhoea and dehydration in younger children. On rare occasions, it can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss - and can even be fatal. 

It comes as Dr Hilary Jones told national broadcasters that rate of vaccination in some areas of the UK is below that seen in Afghanistan and Malawi. He said: "Measles is not a trivial infection, as you well know it can cause nasty illnesses.

“Vaccination is very, very effective and very safe, and most children are vaccinated now, but we've had falling rates of vaccination in the last decade, particularly in some areas of the country where it's gone down to below where Afghanistan and Malawi's vaccination rates are recorded at."

Walsall Council Public Health, alongside UKHSA and NHS colleagues, are reminding families that measles is a highly infectious illness that can spread quickly if people have not had two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine, with increased risk if families are going on holiday to countries with high rates of measles.

Dr Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, said: “We know families are busy and school holidays can be one of the few moments where there’s time to pause and check in on children’s health. With measles cases continuing to rise nationally and here in the West Midlands, it’s more important than ever to make sure children are fully protected with two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine.

"These vaccines keep children safe from serious illness, and catching up is straightforward if a dose has been missed.“

"By taking a few minutes this half term to review your child’s vaccination record and book any catch-up appointments, you are helping protect not only your own family, but also friends, classmates and the wider community. Vaccination remains one of our strongest tools in preventing outbreaks and keeping children healthy.”

Emma Booth, Consultant in Health Protection leading on vaccine preventable diseases for UKHSA in the West Midlands, said: “With measles cases rising, we are urging families in the West Midlands to make sure their children are protected against serious illness, by getting vaccinated if they are not already up to date with their routine vaccinations

“The MMR vaccine has been safely used for many years and has now been extended, from January 2026, to include protection from chickenpox (varicella), with the introduction of the MMRV vaccine. While it’s generally considered to be a fairly harmless disease, children who have recently had chickenpox may develop serious forms of Group A Strep infection, which can lead to an invasive infection including high fever, cellulitis, and joint pain and swelling.”

I have questions about vaccines - where can I go?

Walsall council are running drop-in sessions where you can get informed about vaccines. See dates below:

• Monday 2 March, 3:30pm to 5pm at North Family Hub, Blakenall Lane, Walsall, WS3 1HJ
• Tuesday 10 March, 3:30pm to 5pm at East Family Hub, Silver Court, Brownhills, WS8 6HA
• Monday 16 March, 3:30pm to 5pm at South Family Hub, Birchills Street, Walsall, WS2 8NF
• Tuesday 17 March, 3:30pm to 5pm at West Family Hub, Ilmington House, Crescent Road, Darlaston, WS10 8EA

Where can I get my vaccine?

There are a number of vaccine drop-in sessions where you can get up to date on your measles jabs across the region. Find your nearest one below:

Walsall

• 01 Apr 2026, 09:30 – 13:30Anchor Meadow Health Centre, Walsall Rd, Walsall Wood, Walsall WS9 9AJ, UK
  

Dudley

• 28 Mar 2026, 09:00 – 14:00Oakfield Community Centre, 245 Brettell Ln, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge DY5 3LT

Sandwell

• 21 Mar 2026, 09:00 – 14:00Woodland Community Centre, 157 Wood Ln, West Bromwich B70 9PT

• 07 Apr 2026, 09:30 – 13:30Children's Village Family Hub, Graiseley Ln, Wolverhampton WV11 1PE
• 25 Apr 2026, 09:00 – 13:00Whitmore Reans Family Hub, Lansdowne Rd, Wolverhampton WV1 4AL