Measles cases rise in Kent and Medway as health chiefs urge MMR catch-up

Parents and carers across Kent and Medway are being urged to check their children’s vaccination records after nine new measles cases were confirmed in the area since 1 July 2026. Health officials say there is some limited transmission of the virus among unvaccinated people locally. That is a change from the relatively quiet picture seen here earlier this year, when the bulk of England’s measles activity was concentrated in London and the West Midlands.

Only 82.9% of five-year-olds in Kent and 82.8% in Medway have had both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Above the national average, yes — but well short of the 95% coverage the World Health Organization says is needed to stop outbreaks taking hold. Second-dose uptake is considerably lower than first-dose uptake, meaning a sizeable number of children have partial protection at best.

What the figures show

Between 1 January and 6 July 2026, the South East recorded 17 measles cases in total. London had 463 over the same period. The West Midlands, 147. The nine Kent and Medway cases since 1 July alone represent a sharp shift in that local picture.

Dr Rob Verrecchia, Consultant in Health Protection for UKHSA South East, said: “We have seen very low numbers of measles in Kent and Medway this year, however, this recent increase is concerning and does suggest there is some limited transmission in the community, particularly in people who are unvaccinated. Measles is highly infectious, and it can cause serious disease or even death in some rare cases.”

Symptoms and who is most at risk

Measles symptoms typically appear around 10 days after infection — starting with cold-like signs, sore red eyes and a temperature that can reach 40°C, before a red-brown blotchy rash spreads down from the head. Most people clear the illness within 7 to 10 days. But complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation are possible, and around 1 in every 5,000 people with measles dies from the infection. Not a statistic to be casual about.

Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical and Outcomes Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, described the MMR vaccine as “safe and by far the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you.” Pregnant women, children under one year old and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe infection, according to Dr Langford. These are also the groups who cannot always be vaccinated themselves — and so rely on everyone else having had the jab.

Anyone who suspects they have measles should phone ahead before visiting any healthcare setting, such as their GP practice, so that infection control arrangements can be made. Stay away from schools, large gatherings and workplaces while infectious.

Catch-up clinics available now

Professor Anjan Ghosh, Director of Public Health at Kent County Council, urged parents not to take risks and to contact their GP or a community clinic if their child needs to catch up. Professor David Whiting, Director of Public Health at Medway Council, added that MMR and MMRV vaccines are safe, effective and free, and that “it is never too late” to get them. Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is running community immunisation clinics throughout July and August for anyone who has missed doses. UKHSA is also advising residents to check their vaccination status before travelling abroad, given measles outbreaks in multiple countries.

Key information

• Check your child’s Red Book to see whether they have had both MMR doses — one dose is not enough for full protection.
• To book a catch-up vaccination, contact your GP surgery or a Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust community immunisation clinic (running July and August 2026).
• If you suspect measles, phone ahead before attending any healthcare setting such as your GP practice, so that arrangements can be made to prevent others from being infected. Stay away from schools, workplaces and large gatherings while infectious.
• Travelling abroad? Check you and your family are fully vaccinated before you go, given ongoing measles outbreaks worldwide.