The prevalence of infectious diseases associated with childhood has changed over the years. Vaccinations have made a huge impact, but coverage is important. 

In January 2024 the British Society for Immunology warned that measles was on the rise as uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine had fallen. In 2022-23, only 84.5% of children in England had received the second MMR vaccine dose by age 5, “well below the 95% level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO),” it said.1

Measles cases rose significantly to 2,911 reported cases in 2024, the highest level since 2012, mainly due to outbreaks in Birmingham and London in children under 10 years old. There were 362 laboratory confirmed cases in 2023.2

This year, the UK Health Security Agency noted that MMR vaccine uptake has declined steadily over the past decade, particularly in urban areas and deprived communities. While there has been a national catch-up campaign, it says more needs to be done to prevent further outbreaks happening.2