Today, The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) released the latest measles data which shows that measles continues to circulate in many parts of the country, with the majority of cases in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under.
In response, the BSI has released the following statement:
Graham Blair, Chief Executive of the British Society for Immunology, said:
“The rise in measles cases in the UK is deeply concerning and a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. Measles is a serious and highly infectious disease, particularly for children, with one in five cases in England resulting in hospitalisation. I am deeply saddened to hear that two children have lost their lives to measles this year.
The measles virus is extremely contagious, meaning that vaccination uptake needs to be higher than 95% to prevent it from spreading through communities. In 2024-25, just 83.7% of children in England received their measles vaccinations by the recommended age. When vaccination rates fall, outbreaks become more likely, putting babies, vulnerable children and immunocompromised people at greater risk.
The rising number of cases in 2026 is not unexpected. Measles vaccine coverage has been steadily declining since 2021, reducing population immunity. Given that measles is highly contagious, it can spread quickly among people who are not protected. As a result, measles outbreaks are becoming more frequent, particularly in densely populated areas where vaccine uptake is low.
The measles vaccine is safe, effective and provides strong, long-lasting protection against measles. I would urge anyone with questions about their own or their child’s vaccine coverage to speak to their GP. It’s never too late to catch up on missed doses, and health services are there to support communities by providing clear advice and information about vaccine safety. The best way to protect children and communities is to make sure vaccinations are up to date.”
Notes for editors
You can read the full statement from UKHSA here: Latest measles figures published as two deaths confirmed in 2026
You can download copies of the British Society for Immunology’s guides to vaccinations, here: www.immunology.org/public-information/vaccine-resources. The BSI guides are designed to answer common questions around how vaccinations work and why they are important.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Cox, Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel: +44(0) 7464 621 014
Email: l.cox@immunology.org
Sophie Broster-James, Director of External Affairs
Tel: +44 (0) 7703 807 444
Email: s.broster-james@immunology.org
The British Society for Immunology is the UK organisation representing scientists and clinicians who study the immune system.