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UK Loses Measles Elimination Status Amid Vaccination Decline

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The World Health Organization announced the United Kingdom has lost measles elimination status after a resurgence with 3,681 cases in 2024.
Vaccination rates declined to 91.9% for one MMR dose and 83.7% for both doses, the lowest in over a decade.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba of the UK Health Security Agency urged vaccinating all eligible children to prevent outbreaks.

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Story summary

The World Health Organization announced the United Kingdom has lost measles elimination status after a resurgence with 3,681 cases in 2024.
Vaccination rates declined to 91.9% for one MMR dose and 83.7% for both doses, the lowest in over a decade.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba of the UK Health Security Agency urged vaccinating all eligible children to prevent outbreaks.