UK Loses Measles Elimination Status Amid 2024 Outbreaks and Vaccination Gaps

The World Health Organization has announced that the UK no longer meets the measles elimination criteria due to a surge in cases in 2024 (about 3,600 suspected cases, with more than 1,000 cases in 2023 as well). Elimination requires no sustained transmission, which is unlikely while vaccination uptake remains below the 95% herd-immunity threshold; end-2024 coverage was around 92% for the first MMRV dose and just under 85% for the second. The NHS is expanding access—including an earlier second dose at 18 months—and urging catch-up vaccinations as health officials warn that lower uptake allows infections to rebound. Experts stress the need for easier access and correcting vaccine misinformation to restore elimination goals.