Health officials in England are urging parents to ensure their children are up to date with vaccinations as the new school term approaches, amid a concerning rise in measles cases.

As of mid-August 2023, England reported 2,387 measles cases this year, a significant increase from just 362 cases in all of 2022, with outbreaks particularly concentrated in London and the West Midlands.

Measles is highly contagious, especially among unvaccinated children, and can lead to severe health complications, including hospitalization and even death.

Personal accounts from families affected by measles, such as a mother whose baby struggled to breathe, highlight the urgent need for vaccinations.

Statistics show that 62% of measles cases have occurred in children aged 10 years and under, underscoring the vulnerability of this age group.

NHS officials stress that vaccination is essential not only for individual protection but also to prevent the spread of disease to vulnerable populations.

This campaign will utilize various media channels, including TV, radio, and social media, to encourage parents to prioritize their children's vaccinations.

Officials remind parents that measles is an entirely preventable disease and stress the importance of immunization as the school year begins.

Dr. Vanessa Saliba from the UK Health Security Agency emphasizes that two doses of the MMR vaccine are crucial for preventing serious illness from measles.

Recent data indicates that over 13% of previously unvaccinated children under five received their first MMR dose, reflecting increased uptake among certain demographics.

In response to the surge in cases, the UK Health Security Agency, alongside the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, is launching a six-week campaign to boost vaccination rates.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations against preventable diseases, particularly as the school year approaches.