Families in the East of England are being urged to protect their children against the spread of measles and other potentially deadly childhood illnesses, as part of a new NHS vaccination drive.

Children aged from 12-months to 11 years old who have missed one or both doses of the vaccine, will be invited as part of the NHS England’s campaign, which runs until March next year.

In addition to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR/V), the vaccine will also include protection against chickenpox (Varicella).

Parents of children aged under six will be contacted by their local GP, while families with children aged between six and 11, will be invited by the NHS App, SMS, email or letter.

Figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that clusters of measles cases are rising across the East of England, especially in Hertfordshire. Between 1st January 2026 and 22nd June 2026 there have been 48 measles cases in Hertfordshire, the highest number in the East of England, and in the last month (25th May 2026 to 22nd June 2026) Hertfordshire has had the highest number of cases of measles of any Local Authority in England, with 15 cases. There have been 15 cases of measles in Hertfordshire in the 4 weeks since 25th of May 2026, compared to 24 in Hertfordshire for the whole of 2025.

Figures also show a gap of 7.5% in vaccine coverage between the least and the most deprived areas of the country.

The vaccination rate for both MMR doses at age five years in England is 84.1% (Jan – March 2026). Although in the East of England coverage is better than the national average at 88.3%, that still leaves thousands of children unprotected and is lower than the 95% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “Measles is a serious illness that can cause devastating consequences including lasting brain damage or permanent hearing loss, and it can sometimes be fatal.

“Measles is absolutely preventable, so we are reaching out to families to help them protect their children and prevent further outbreaks. The new “four in one” vaccination also protects against chickenpox, mumps and rubella and GPs based in the communities they know so well are contacting families to help overcome any barriers to getting children the protection they need.

“If you are invited to catch up on your child’s vaccinations, please come forward and take up this crucial offer.”

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. These illnesses can be devastating, but they are preventable through routine childhood immunisation.

“If you’ve been contacted by the NHS to catch up on your child’s vaccinations, I encourage you to take up this offer as soon as possible. Making sure children are fully vaccinated means we can help keep them healthy, protect vulnerable people in our communities and prevent future outbreaks.”

ENDS