The United Kingdom has lost its measles elimination status, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as stagnating vaccination coverage led to a sharp resurgence of cases.
The UK had been classified as having eliminated measles between 2021 and 2023, but health officials confirmed that sustained transmission was re-established in 2024. Measles infections surged to 3,681 cases during the year, reflecting a broader decline in immunisation uptake.
Several other European countries—including Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan—also lost their measles elimination status. The WHO has urged governments to urgently strengthen vaccination programmes to prevent the disease from infecting more children.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that in 2024–25, only 83.7% of five-year-olds in England had received both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, down from 83.9% the previous year. This marks the lowest coverage level since 2009–10.
Coverage for at least one MMR dose remained unchanged at 91.9% in 2024–25, also the lowest level recorded since 2010–11.
The WHO recommends that at least 95% of children receive all routine vaccine doses to achieve herd immunity and prevent sustained outbreaks of measles.
