Families urged to check measles vaccination status before summer travel

Families across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being reminded to ensure children are up to date with routine NHS vaccinations, including the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine and any other recommended travel vaccinations required, ahead of summer travel.

Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious illness. Measles is still circulating at increased levels in parts of England and the West Midlands, and the risk of exposure to measles infection increases with travel to some countries around the world.

Figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there were more than 800 cases of measles in England during the first half of 2026, including two reported deaths. This compares with 959 cases during the whole of 2025. Every region of England has reported measles cases, with clusters identified in several parts of the country.

The free MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox and is the most effective way to prevent infection.

As part of a national catch-up campaign running until March 2027, children aged from 12 months to 11 years who have missed one or both doses of the MMRV vaccine will be invited to catch up. Parents of children under six will be contacted by their GP practice, while families with children aged six to 11 will receive invitations through the NHS App, SMS, email or letter.

Mathew Missen, Public Health Consultant, for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Checking your child’s vaccination record and finding out whether they need any further vaccinations before travel is a simple but important step. Routine NHS vaccinations, including the MMRV vaccine, are safe and effective, giving the best protection against serious illness, which can be a worry for parents and carers travelling with children. Travel increases the risk of exposure to diseases that are rarer in the UK, and ensuring you are fully vaccinated is important for having a safe and enjoyable holiday”

“Measles spreads easily and circulates at high levels in several countries. It is not just a mild illness; it can cause a high fever, rash, severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and in some cases can be life-threatening. Ensuring children are fully vaccinated, including against measles, helps protect them and prevents infection from spreading to friends and family who are not vaccinated, whilst travelling or upon returning home.

"If your child has missed one or both doses, the NHS catch-up programme offers an important opportunity to get them protected before the new school year and future holidays."

Dr Melanie Thompson, local GP, said: “If you're travelling abroad, you may need to be vaccinated against illnesses mainly found in your destination country. You can check the NHS website to see which vaccinations are recommended for the country you’re travelling to. You should check at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel because some vaccinations require a series of doses.

“Where you get your travel vaccination from depends on the vaccine. Some vaccines are free on the NHS, and some you have to pay for. You can book and pay for travel vaccinations at a private vaccination clinic or a pharmacy with travel health services.

“If you are unsure what vaccinations you have had, you can check your child’s Red Book, the NHS App or speak to your GP.”

Who can have the MMRV vaccine:

• Children usually receive two doses of MMRV when they are 12 months and 18 months old.
• An early dose (6–11 months) may be offered for travel to high-risk countries, exposure to measles, or outbreak situations. Parents should speak to their GP practice for advice.
• Children aged 12 months to 11 years who have missed one or both routine doses will be invited to catch up as part of the national catch-up campaign.

For more information about the MMRV vaccine, visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

Full information on travel vaccinations is available on the NHS website:
www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/travel-vaccinations/

If your child has missed a routine vaccination and is school age, catch-up clinics are available:

• Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin: www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/immunisations
• Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent: www.mpft.nhs.uk/services/school-age-im