Don’t wait vaccinate! Protect your child from measles now
Parents and carers across the North East and North Cumbria are being urged to act now to protect their children from measles by making sure they are fully vaccinated with the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
The warning follows a measles outbreak in North London, where 34 children have so far been infected, with one in four needing hospital treatment. All these were either unvaccinated or had not received the full two-dose course.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation confirmed that the UK has lost its measles elimination status following outbreaks during 2024.
The North East and North Cumbria recorded six measles cases in 2025, compared with 493 in London. This year there have already been 96 confirmed cases in England, with none in the North East and North Cumbria.
The UK Health Security Agency has warned that without higher uptake of both MMRV vaccine doses, measles could spread rapidly, leading to further outbreaks and more children becoming seriously ill.
Measles spreads through coughs and sneezes, or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated.
Common symptoms include:
- a high fever
- sore or watery eyes
- coughing and sneezing.
- Small white spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a blotchy red or brown rash that usually starts behind the ears and on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
People with measles can also pass the virus on to those with weakened immune systems, including people undergoing cancer treatment, where the consequences can be severe.
Ben Anderson, director of population health, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Measles is extremely dangerous and is one of the most contagious diseases in the world.
"Spending as little as 15 minutes in the same room as someone with the virus can be enough to catch it.
"While many children recover, measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain.
"Around one in five children with the virus will become seriously unwell and need hospital treatment - but it is entirely preventable through vaccination!
"The MMRV vaccine is tested, safe, effective and free, and just two doses offer full protection. We are urging parents to make sure that their children are up to date with all vaccines as this is the best way to protect our communities from outbreaks of this horrible disease."
Details of the full vaccine schedule can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/ and parents should contact their GP Practice to arrange any necessary doses."
“Overall, MMR uptake across the North East and North Cumbria remains high with around 94% of children having at least one dose,” added Mr Anderson.
“However, uptake of the second dose has fallen below the national target of 95%, increasing the risk of outbreaks. Lower coverage in some areas, including Newcastle and Middlesbrough, means measles could spread more easily.
“We're also seeing that as children move into nursery and primary school, some families miss the vital second dose, which boosts immunity and provides near-complete protection, if your child has missed any doses, it is never too late to catch up.”
Parents and carers are encouraged to check their child’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record) and anyone unsure whether their child is fully vaccinated should contact their GP practice to check and arrange any missed vaccinations.