Parents in Hertfordshire are being urged to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against measles as public health officials respond to a concerning rise in cases and low vaccination rates in nearby areas. The call comes as roughly one in ten children in the county are considered at risk of contracting the highly contagious virus due to incomplete MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination, according to Hertfordshire County Council.
The situation is particularly concerning given the proximity to Enfield, North London, where an outbreak has been impacting nurseries and schools. Sarah Perman, director of public health for Hertfordshire County Council, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “Measles is a nasty illness. Sadly, some children who catch [it] can develop serious complications. Our vaccination rates are still not as high as they should be.” Protecting children from measles is a key public health priority, and maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial to prevent further outbreaks.
The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the first given to children at 12 months of age and the second at 18 months. Current vaccination data for Hertfordshire shows that 93.6% of five-year-olds have received one dose of the MMR vaccine, even as 87.7% have completed both doses. However, the situation in Enfield is significantly different, with only 64.3% of children fully vaccinated against measles, raising concerns about potential spread.
Measles is a contagious disease that is spread by coughs and sneezes or contaminated surfaces [Getty Images]
Understanding the Risks of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious infection that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, and by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically initiate with a high fever, sore, red, and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth. A characteristic blotchy red or brown rash usually develops a few days later, often starting behind the ears and on the face before spreading across the body. Health officials note that the rash can sometimes be more difficult to detect on darker skin tones, as highlighted by NHS England.
The potential complications of measles are serious. One in five children who contract the virus require hospitalization, and in rare cases, measles can be fatal. Perman urged parents to check their children’s vaccination records and contact their general practitioner (GP) to schedule an appointment if any doses are missing. “If you discover that your child has missed a dose, please contact your GP practice to build an appointment,” she said.
UK Measles Elimination Status and Recent Trends
The recent increase in measles cases has had broader implications for the UK’s public health standing. The UK recently lost its World Health Organization (WHO) measles elimination status, a designation achieved when sustained transmission of the virus is interrupted. In 2024, more than 2,900 cases of measles were confirmed in England, marking the highest level in over a decade. Preliminary data indicates nearly 1,000 cases have been reported in 2025 to date.
Achieving and maintaining a vaccination coverage rate of 95% of the eligible population is considered essential to prevent the widespread transmission of measles. This level of immunity creates “herd immunity,” protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants too young to receive the vaccine or individuals with certain medical conditions.
What Parents Can Do
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to proactively check their children’s vaccination status and ensure they are up to date with both doses of the MMR vaccine. If records are unavailable, contacting the child’s GP is the recommended course of action. Recognizing the symptoms of measles – fever, watery eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a spreading rash – is too crucial for early detection and prompt medical attention.
The Hertfordshire County Council website provides further information on measles and the MMR vaccine. Parents can also find reliable information from the NHS website and consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice.
The situation remains fluid, and public health officials will continue to monitor vaccination rates and case numbers closely. The next update from Hertfordshire County Council regarding the measles outbreak is expected in early March, providing further guidance and information for residents.
Please share this information with your friends and family to help protect our community from the spread of measles. Your comments and questions are welcome below.
