NHS England urges children aged 1–11 years who are unprotected against measles to come forward for their vaccinations
Around a million families are being urged to protect their children against measles and other potentially serious childhood illnesses as part of a new NHS vaccination drive running from July 2026 until March 2027.
Children aged 12 months to 11 years who have missed one or both doses of the vaccine will be invited to catch up as part of the campaign.
In addition to measles, mumps and rubella, children under six will be offered protection against chickenpox (varicella) with the MMRV vaccine. Older children will be invited to catch up on missed MMR vaccines.
Parents and carers of children under six will be contacted by their local GP. Families with children aged six to 11 will be invited by the NHS by SMS, email, or letter.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show there were more than 800 cases of measles in the first half of 2026, compared with 959 cases during the whole of 2025. Clusters of measles cases have been reported in areas across the country, with every region of England seeing cases.
If you are unsure whether your child is fully protected, contact your GP practice to check their vaccination status and arrange an appointment to catch up on any missed MMR or MMRV vaccines.