A few days ago, the UK Health Security Agency declared a “national incident” regarding the rise of measles in the UK. The agency’s annual figures showed that in England MMR vaccine uptake for first and second doses by five years has fallen to the lowest rates since 2010/11.

Metro report that London fared the worst Areas with best and worst MMR vaccination rates revealed – is yours on the list? (msn.com) Concurrently, the WHO has issued an urgent warning over an “alarming” 30-fold rise in cases across Europe WHO issues measles warning as yearly cases in Europe rise more than 30-fold | MMR | The Guardian

To give some background, measles transmission was re-established in the UK in 2018, after the country achieved eradication status in 2016 and 2017. In 2019, prior to the covid-19 pandemic, there were around 808 confirmed cases of measles and 5 deaths, in England and Wales. There was a reduction in cases in 2020 and 2021, likely due to pandemic measures, before recent increases.

Obviously, there are at least 3 major considerations here: 1. certain communities have lower vaccine uptake than others. Whilst correlation does not always equate causation, it seems pertinent that London, as well as Birmingham which has an ongoing outbreak 'Urgent' measles action required as UKHSA declares 'national incident' - Pulse Today ), have high immigrant populations, possibly from countries with lower MMR vaccine uptake. 2. The heavy handedness of the covid-19 vaccination measures may have yet another spill over effect in increasing reluctance to other vaccines. 3. It is possible that after achieving eradication status, measles has been re-introduced into the UK from our lax immigration policy, and by the extension of Europe too.

If a government is focused on its primary objective in protecting the interests of its citizens, and is sufficiently competent, one would hope that these considerations would be made in determining future policy.

Dr. Chris Ho

UK Independence Party spokesman for Health and Social Care