22/02/2026
Is your child up to date with their vaccines??
A major new childhood vaccination campaign has launched, urging parents to check their children are up to date with their routine immunisations.
Backed by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency, the 'Stay Strong, Get Vaccinated' drive comes as England recorded more than 2,900 measles cases in 2024 - the highest in decades - and lost its WHO measles elimination status.
Routine childhood immunisations prevent around 5,000 deaths and 228,000 hospital admissions every year in England. Yet uptake remains below the 95% target needed to stop outbreaks.
Health Innovation and Safety Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: 'Vaccination is one of the greatest public health successes of our time... With vaccination rates falling and the UK losing its measles elimination status, it's vital we act now!
This year, the NHS has introduced the MMRV vaccine, offering protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in one tree jab - protection that would cost around £150 privately.
Parents of children aged 0 - 5 are being urged to check their child's status with their GP.