Measles Is Back in the UK: Why Your MMR (Now MMRV) Vaccine Matters Before You Travel

What is happening with measles in the UK?

England recorded 2,911 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in 2024 — the highest annual total in over two decades. Following this surge, the UK lost its measles elimination status, a designation it had previously regained in 2021 after losing it in 2019. A measles outbreak was also confirmed in London, with cases reported across several boroughs.

The root cause is well-understood: two-dose MMR coverage in five-year-olds has fallen to 84.4% — well below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity. This means a significant number of adults born in the late 1990s and 2000s — when vaccine confidence was at its lowest following the discredited Wakefield claims — may be unprotected.

Measles is one of the most contagious infections known. A single infectious person in an enclosed space — an aircraft, a stadium, a hotel lobby — can expose and potentially infect up to 90% of unvaccinated contacts nearby.

The MMR vaccine has changed — what is MMRV?

From 1 January 2026, the UK childhood immunisation schedule replaced the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine with MMRV — which adds protection against varicella (chickenpox). Children born on or after 1 January 2025 are offered MMRV at 12 months and 18 months.

For adults who have already had two doses of MMR:

• You are protected against measles, mumps, and rubella. You do not need to repeat vaccination just because the schedule changed.
• You are not covered against chickenpox by your MMR. If you have not had chickenpox and are travelling to destinations where it is circulating, discuss standalone varicella vaccination with a pharmacist.

Adults born on or before 31 December 2019 who have never been vaccinated can still access free MMR (not MMRV) from their GP. For adults who had only one MMR dose, or who are unsure of their history, a second dose is recommended before travel — particularly to countries with active outbreaks.

Why measles matters for travellers

Measles is circulating widely across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Canada lost its own measles elimination status in November 2025 after more than 5,000 cases, and the USA recorded 2,255 confirmed cases in 2025. The risk for unvaccinated travellers is not just catching measles abroad — it is also bringing it back.

Airports and aircraft are high-risk environments: air circulates throughout the cabin, dwell times are long, and passengers originate from countries with varying vaccination rates. Large public events — concerts, festivals, sports matches — carry similar exposure risks.

Some countries require proof of MMR vaccination for entry, particularly for travellers arriving from countries with active outbreaks. Check the entry requirements for your destination before booking.

How to check and update your vaccine status

The quickest way to check your vaccination history is the NHS app — your vaccine record is held there for most people who received childhood vaccinations in England. Your GP practice also holds your history.

If you are unsure, the safest course is to have an additional dose. An extra MMR or MMRV dose is safe — there is no risk of harm from receiving a dose when you have already been vaccinated.

Medway Pharmacy can:

• Review your vaccine history and advise on whether you need a dose
• Administer MMR or MMRV without a GP referral
• Check all your other travel vaccines at the same appointment

Book a travel health appointment at 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, ME7 5LJ. Open 7 days a week until 10pm, including late Wednesday evening clinic slots. Call 01634 575805.