A quarter of Midlands children starting school have no protection from measles
The NHS is urging parents to book an MMR vaccination appointment for their child.
Last updated 31st Aug 2025
Nearly one in four children across the region starting school next week won’t be fully protected against measles.
According to NHS figures, of the 120,622 Midlands children starting school, 92, 217 or 76.5% have had their first and second doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination, but 28,405 remain unprotected.
This is despite measles outbreaks in Leicester in 2024.
The disease is highly contagious, with one infected person able to pass it on to around 15 others who haven’t been vaccinated.
Dr Ash Banerjee, Public Health Consultant with NHS England in the Midlands said: “Last year there were more than 2,900 cases of measles in England – the highest number recorded in more than a decade. Catching measles can lead to life changing issues for anyone catching it – such as blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain."
“We would urge parents and carers to get in touch with their GP surgery and book a MMR vaccination appointment so that children starting school have the protection they need.”