House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Update on Measles
30 January 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Maria Caulfield Con Lewes
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The House is updated on actions taken in response to an increase in measles cases in England, with a focus on the West Midlands.
- NHS England will implement a catch-up campaign for missed MMR vaccines and send reminder communications from February onwards.
- Second reminders will be sent from March to encourage vaccination among targeted age groups and communities.
- The Government is setting up regular ministerial coordination boards to oversee the outbreak response.
Issue summary
The statement updates the House on the actions taken in response to an increase in measles cases in England, particularly focusing on the West Midlands.
Action requested
NHS England has implemented a catch-up campaign for missed MMR vaccines and will send reminder letters, texts or emails from February onwards. From March, second reminders will be sent to encourage vaccination among targeted age groups and communities. The Government is also setting up regular ministerial coordination boards to oversee the outbreak response.
Key facts
- Between October 1, 2023, and January 23, 2024, there were 347 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England.
- UKHSA will publish weekly updates on lab confirmed measles case numbers from January 30 onwards.
- NHS England is sending reminder letters to parents of unvaccinated children aged 6 to 11 starting February 6 and second reminders by March 12.
- Strategic partnership groups are in place in three out of six NHSE Integrated Care Board areas in the West Midlands.
- UKHSA hosted a webinar for education settings with over 650 attendees, and another for clinicians and frontline staff in maternity services with over 280 participants.