West Midlands parents warned after measles cases recorded in region - here's where
In the West Midlands, 136 cases have been recorded between January 1 and June 8.
Residents in the West Midlands are being urged to check that they and their children are fully protected against measles, as cases continue to rise.
Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that an additional 106 confirmed measles cases have been reported in England in the past two weeks alone.
This brings the total number of cases recorded between January 1 and June 8 to 736, already approaching the 959 cases seen across the whole of 2025.
In the West Midlands, 136 cases have been recorded.
This includes 12 cases in Sandwell, 79 in Birmingham and 10 in Staffordshire.
In Walsall, public health chiefs have warned that measles spreads very easily and can lead to serious illness, particularly among those who are not vaccinated.
Anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine is urged to come forward.
Measles is not limited to children. It can affect people of any age and in some cases leads to being in hospital or serious complications, including ear and chest infections, fits, diarrhoea and dehydration in younger children.
On rare occasions, it can result in meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. In a small number of cases, it can be fatal.
For younger children, the NHS now uses the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox.
Older children and adults who need to catch up will continue to be offered the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine has a strong safety record and provides the most effective protection against measles, mumps and rubella, with two doses offering the highest level of protection.
For people who do not touch any pork products, there is a version of the MMR vaccine, Priorix, and MMRV vaccine, Priorix-Tetra, which have no pork ingredients.
Dr Nadia Inglis, director of Public Health at Walsall Council said: “With measles cases increasing, it is important to take a moment to check you and your family are protected.
“We recognise that not everyone will be sure of their vaccination history, particularly adults, but it is never too late to catch up.
“Even if you cannot remember what vaccines you have had or do not have access to your records, you can still safely come forward for the MMR vaccine.
“As we approach the summer holidays, when more people are travelling and mixing, making sure you are up to date with your vaccinations is a simple step that can help protect both you and the wider community.”
Parents and carers are advised to check their child’s Red Book or the NHS App, contact their GP practice if they are unsure, and arrange an appointment if any doses have been missed.
Adults who are uncertain about their vaccination history are also encouraged to contact their GP practice to ensure they are protected.
Children who have missed any of their routine vaccinations can attend a local catch-up clinic hosted by Vaccination UK.
Details are here:
- Saturday 27 June, 9am–1pm - Vaccination UK, Hallens Drive, Wednesbury
- Saturday 4 July, 9.30am–1pm - South and Central Family Hub, Birchills Street, Walsall
At the catch-up clinics, children and young people can receive MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), MenACWY (Meningitis A, C, W, Y), DTaP/IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis / Polio) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus, for eligible age groups).
The clinics will be staffed by trained professionals.
Appointments are required and children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
To book, email [email protected] or call 01922 902 035.
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