William Eichler 14 July 2025

Measles death prompts call to improve vaccine uptake

Measles death prompts call to improve vaccine uptake image
MMR vaccine © angellodeco / Shutterstock.com.

There is an urgent need to address falling immunisation rates to protect children against measles, local authority leaders have said.

The call came from the Local Government Association (LGA) following the death of a child in Liverpool after contracting measles.

Only 84% of children in England receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine by age two, and just 88.8% receive both doses by age five.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 95% of a population should be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

In 2025, there have so far been 529 confirmed measles cases in England with 68% occurring in children under the age of 10.

‘We need action alongside awareness and councils stand ready to work in close partnership with the NHS and national government to ensure families have access to clear, trusted information and convenient services to help ensure every child is protected,’ said Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner