Families encouraged to check MMR vaccinations ahead of half term as measles cases rise across parts of the country

Credit: Onclusive News for UKHSA

Families across the East Midlands are being encouraged to use the half term school break to check their children’s measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date.

The call comes as the latest measles data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that from 1 January to 9 February 2026, there have been 96 cases of measles in England, with 79 cases in the 4 weeks since 12th January. During the whole of 2025, there were 22 cases in the East Midlands; less than 2 cases per month on average – however there have already been 4 lab confirmed cases in the region this year (up to 9th February).

UKHSA and NHS England are together 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.

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. In a small number of cases measles can even be fatal.

Dr Ash Banerjee, Public Health Consultant at NHS England in the Midlands said: “Half term offers a natural pause for families, which is a good opportunity to check whether vaccinations are up to date. With the new measles data, we want parents and carers to feel supported seeking advice about anything they’re unsure of, including the new MMRV vaccine, which extends protection to include measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).

“It’s never too late to get up to date on your MMR/MMRV or any other childhood vaccines, for the best protection. I ask parents to use this half term to check and book a catchup if needed. The vaccines are safe and effective, are quick and help protect your child, their classmates and the wider community.”

Vanessa MacGregor, Consultant in Health Protection leading on vaccine preventable diseases for UKHSA in the East Midlands, said: “With measles cases rising across parts of the country, we are urging families in the East 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.”

To find out if your child will be offered the MMR or MMRV vaccine, visit the NHS website or speak to your GP surgery

For people who do not touch any pork products, there is a version of the MMR vaccine, Priorix, and MMRV vaccine, Priorix-Tetra, which has no pork ingredients. You can request these vaccines from your GP.

The first signs of measles are:

• high temperature
• runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• cough
• red, sore, watery eyes
• rash usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body)

If you suspect measles:

• contact NHS111 or phone your GP surgery. If you do need to visit a GP or hospital, you must call ahead to let them know that it could be measles. The staff will make special arrangements to see you and/or your child so that, if they have measles, they won’t pass it to other people.
• If you or your child has measles, you should stay off nursery/ school/ university/ work/ other group activities until at least 4 days after the rash appears, because you will still be infectious, which means you can spread measles to others.