Families encouraged to check MMR vaccinations ahead of half term

Families across the West Midlands are being encouraged to use the half term school break to check their children’s measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations are up to date.

The call comes as the latest measles data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that from 1 January to 9 February 2026, there have been 96 cases of measles in England, with 79 cases in the 4 weeks since 12 January.

Meanwhile, the West Midlands region has had 26% of all cases in England so far this year, with 25 lab confirmed cases – compared to 76 cases in the region for the whole of 2025.

UKHSA and NHS England are together reminding families that measles is a highly infectious illness that can spread quickly if people have not had two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine, with increased risk if families are going on holiday to countries with high rates of measles.

Measles can lead to complications such as ear and chest infections, fits, diarrhoea and dehydration in younger children. On rare occasions it can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. In a small number of cases measles can even be fatal.

Dr Ash Banerjee, Public Health Consultant at NHS England in the Midlands said: “Half term offers a natural pause for families, which is a good opportunity to check whether vaccinations are up to date.

"With the new measles data, we want parents and carers to feel supported seeking advice about anything they’re unsure of, including the new MMRV vaccine, which extends protection to include measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).

“It’s never too late to get up to date on your MMR/MMRV or any other childhood vaccines, for the best protection. I ask parents to use this half term to check and book a catch-up if needed.

"The vaccines are safe and effective, are quick and help protect your child, their classmates and the wider community.”

To find out if your child will be offered the MMR or MMRV vaccine, visit the NHS website or speak to your GP surgery

For people who do not touch any pork products, there is a version of the MMR vaccine, Priorix, and MMRV vaccine, Priorix-Tetra, which has no pork ingredients. You can request these vaccines from your GP.