Quarter of Peterborough children not vaccinated for measles

Figures reveal that around 10 per cent of all children in the county have not had the MMR vaccine, which protects them against measles, mumps, and rubella.

But, in Peterborough, that figure rises to nearly 25 per cent.

Latest data shows that in Peterborough, just 76.6 per cent of children have had both doses of the MMR in 2023-24, slightly up on the year before, but still low compared to most other parts of the country.

People with measles sometimes develop white spots on the inside of their mouths. (Image: NHS England) In Cambridgeshire as a whole, 89.2 per cent of children received both doses of the MMR in 2023-24.

It is estimated that around 5,000 children will be starting school in Cambridgeshire this September without their MMR vaccination, and more than 8,000 without their four-in-one pre-school booster, which is usually administered at three years and four months of age.

That protects against diphtheria, polio, tetanus, and whooping cough.

Parents and carers are being urged to make sure their children are fully up-to-date with their vaccinations as the number of cases of measles is on the rise.

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Measles recently claimed the life of a child in Liverpool, and figures show that since January 1, 2025, there have been 529 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England. Sixty-eight of those have been confirmed in the past four weeks.

Forty-four per cent (233) of the annual cases have been in London, but the East of England has seen the second-highest number at 12 per cent or 64 cases.

Most of the cases have occurred in children aged one to four, with the second highest affected age group being five to 10-year-olds.

The MMR jab protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, which can spread easily and lead to problems like meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss. 

Immunisation is the best way to protect your child from diseases like measles. (Image: Newsquest) Catch-up clinics are being offered during the school holidays in Peterborough, Ely, and Cambridge details can be found on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System's website.

The clinics will have MMR vaccinations available along with a variety of vaccinations and these are:

• Pre-school 4-in-1 booster is for anyone under the age of 10

• HPV vaccine is for anyone age 12-24

• Meningitis ACWY is for anyone age 13-24

• Tp/IPV vaccine 3-in-1 booster is for anyone age 13-14

• Whooping cough and RSV vaccines are also available for anyone who is pregnant.

Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “Measles can make children very ill and vaccination prevents it.

"So it's important to make sure your child has their MMR vaccination as it provides lifelong protection against measles, it also helps to protect more vulnerable children who are unable to have their MMR vaccination.

“If your child has missed their MMR vaccination, or any of their other vaccinations, do not hesitate to contact your GP practice to get them booked in or come along to one of our walk-in clinics.

"All the vaccinations are free, and you do not need to live in the specific town or city where the clinics are taking place to get vaccinated.”

Anyone unable to make the walk-in clinics can also contact their GP practice directly to book vaccinations, or they can contact Herts Community Trust, who can help arrange any missed vaccinations for them by calling 0300 555 5055 option 4. 

Measles symptoms usually start with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.

The graph shows that the East of England has had the second highest number of cases of measles so far this year. (Image: NHS England) First symptoms include:

• a high temperature

• a runny or blocked nose

• sneezing

• a cough

• red, sore, watery eyes

Some patients develop small white spots on the inside of the cheeks and the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. It starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.

The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown or black skin.

It's very unlikely to be measles if the child has had both doses of the MMR vaccine or if the person has had measles before.

Measles can also seriously affect pregnant women. It can cause miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, or even stillbirth.

The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. Two doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.