London measles outbreak highlights parents who delayed children's vaccinations

A measles outbreak in north‑east London has included at least 34 laboratory‑confirmed cases and hospitalisations among unvaccinated children, while local MMR uptake is reported to be lower than national levels.

A parent in London says she followed early NHS infant vaccine schedules but delayed the routine two‑dose MMR for a private single‑dose option and later missed appointments. Local health authorities reported a measles outbreak in north‑east London that includes laboratory‑confirmed cases and hospital admissions among children who were not fully vaccinated. The article notes falling MMR uptake in parts of England and that single‑dose measles vaccines are no longer being imported after an MHRA decision. The parent states she is now arranging combined MMRV vaccinations for her children. Key facts: - The UK Health Security Agency reported 34 laboratory‑confirmed measles cases in Enfield during the recent outbreak. - Reports indicate the outbreak is primarily affecting unvaccinated children under 10 and that some of those cases have required hospital treatment. - Cited data show lower MMR coverage locally (64.3% of five‑year‑olds in Enfield received both doses in 2024/25) and a decline in first and second MMR uptake across England over recent years. - The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency announced it would no longer permit importation of a single‑dose measles vaccine, and some clinics report a shortage of single‑dose options. Summary: The outbreak has increased vulnerability where MMR coverage is lower and has involved hospitalised children who were not fully vaccinated. The parent featured says she is now arranging MMRV vaccinations for her children; broader policy or supply responses beyond the MHRA import decision are not detailed in the article.