INTRODUCTION
There was an important news item posted on the BMJ website just two days ago entitled 'UK loses it's measles elimination status' after the disease circulated continuously for more than a year. This short article is worth reading to understand the lead up to this sad and retrogressive development. Public health experts have warned that falling vaccination rates have allowed measles to take hold once more in the UK.
Historically, the World Health Organization (WHO) first confirmed that the UK had eliminated measles in 2017, but that status was lost after transmission of the disease was re-established in 2018. The article documents the problems since that time.
We are not alone in the UK though, Canada lost it's measles status last November and in the USA cases are rising rapidly with 2255 confirmed cases reported in 2025—its highest number in three decades with 416 new infections so far in January 2026. The latest statistics from the CDC could be found here.
The WHO provide a useful live map where countries and number of cases reported can be viewed. Individual country situations can also be identified. This is useful within a travel consultation, although of course, country specific advice would also be identified on the TravelHealthPro website and in the outbreak surveillance data.
SHOULD UK TRAVELLERS BE VACCINATED AGAINST MEASLES?
The answer to this is YES. On page 12 of the Green Book chapter 21 on Measles, under the heading, Individuals who are travelling or going to reside abroad, it says that
'All travellers to epidemic or endemic areas should ensure that they are fully immunised according to the UK schedule'
and then on page 11, it says
Although it's acknowledged that those born prior to 1970 may well have protection against measles, unless there is documentation of vaccination, it is recommended that all people have two doses of MMR vaccine given to them. This is an NHS provision and can be provided in an NHS GP practice'.
SO FROM WHAT AGE CAN A BABY BE VACCINATED AGAINST MEASLES?
From 1st January 2026, the National Immunisation Programme for babies is to be given the MMRV vaccine at 12 and then 18 months of age.
However children from 6 months of age can be given protection if travelling to a country with a high incidence of measles, but UKHSA say they should be given MMR rather than MMRV. However this dose given should be discounted as residual maternal antibodies may reduce the response to the vaccine. I have posted an image of the full statement below but it can also be seen on UKHSA information on MMRV vaccination: information for healthcare professionals (at the bottom of the page under the heading Common issues and questions about MMRV vaccination What should be given to children who are travelling to an endemic area or are identified in a local outbreak?
Of note, the Green Book chapter says on page 12, Infants from six months of age travelling to measles endemic areas with a high incidence of measles or to an area where there is a current outbreak, who are likely to be mixing with the local population, should receive MMR vaccine. MMRV vaccine may be given from 9 months of age for this purpose if that is the only vaccine product available at the time of the appointment.
TO SUMMARISE
If your pre travel risk assessment indicates a baby is travelling to an area considered to be of high incidence of measles or there is a local outbreak then
- If the baby is 6 months then an MMR should be given
- If the baby is 9 months or older and there is no MMR vaccine available then an MMRV vaccine can be given.
Remember this dose is subsequently discarded and two doses of MMRV should be administered as per the schedule in the National Programme.
A NOTE OF WARNING
It is important to refer to all the official guidance as indicated above and then to also check the PGD that you use to enable you to administer these vaccines. Remember this is the legal framework within which, as a registered nurse, you may be giving the vaccine and you have signed the documentation to abide by the information.
The PGD for MMR states that for travel purposes this vaccine can be given within the PGD - see particularly under sections Criteria for inclusion; Dose and frequency of administration; Special considerations and additional information and in the Appendix at the end.
The PGD for MMRV also includes statements for administration, but only in babies over 9 months of age, and remember from the detail above, this is only if MMR vaccine is not available at the time of the consultation.
IN ADDITION
NaTHNaC posted a news item on TravelHealthPro about measles and travel earlier this week - to read this click here. Remember if you have any doubts or queries and need clinical advice which you can then officially document in your records, then contact the helpline.
