Parents urged to book new NHS 4-in-1 vaccine to protect children from measles

Eligible children can now catch up on a new NHS vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

female doctor in blue gloves injects a young girl's arm

Getty/ Svetlana Repnitskaya

Published: July 8, 2026 at 12:43 PM

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A new NHS campaign is encouraging around a million families across England to make sure their children are protected against measles and other serious childhood illnesses.

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Children aged 12 months to 11 years who have missed one or both routine MMR vaccinations will be invited to catch up between now and March 2027. As part of the programme, eligible children will receive a new four-in-one vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).

The campaign comes as measles cases continue to rise across England, with health officials urging parents to take up the offer if they are contacted.

Who is eligible for the new four-in-one NHS vaccine?

Children aged between 12 months and 11 years who have missed one or both recommended MMR doses will be eligible for the catch-up programme.

Parents of children under six will be contacted by their GP practice. Families with children aged six to 11 will receive invitations through the NHS App, by text message, email or letter.

Why is the NHS launching this campaign?

The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there have already been more than 800 confirmed measles cases in the first half of 2026, with two reported deaths. By comparison, there were 959 cases recorded during the whole of 2025.

Every region in England has reported measles cases this year, with outbreaks occurring in several communities.

Vaccination rates also remain below the level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Between January and March 2026, 84.1% of children in England had received both recommended MMR doses by their fifth birthday, compared with the WHO target of 95%.

There is also a 7.5% gap in vaccine uptake between the least and most deprived areas of England.

Why is measles a concern?

Measles spreads very easily and can lead to serious complications, particularly in babies, young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Health experts say vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect both individual children and the wider community.

What the NHS says

Caroline Temmink, NHS Director of Vaccination, said:

"Measles can be devastating for families, with sometimes tragic consequences, which is why we're reaching out to parents to help them protect their children.

These childhood illnesses are serious and some of them, in rare cases, can be fatal, but they are entirely preventable.

Caroline Temmink, NHS Director of Vaccination

"This is why GPs based in the communities they know so well are contacting families to help overcome any barriers to getting children the protection they need.

"If you are invited to catch up on your child's vaccinations, please come forward and take up this crucial offer."

Health minister urges parents to take up the offer

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children against serious diseases.

She said: "Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. These illnesses can be devastating, but they are preventable through routine childhood immunisation.

"If you've been contacted by the NHS to catch up on your child's vaccinations, I encourage you to take up this offer as soon as possible.

Making sure children are fully vaccinated means we can help keep them healthy, protect vulnerable people in our communities and prevent future outbreaks.

Sharon Hodgson, Public Health Minister

What parents should do next

If your child is eligible, you do not need to apply for the catch-up programme yourself. The NHS says families will be contacted directly by their GP or through NHS digital services, depending on their child's age.

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Parents who are unsure whether their child has received both recommended MMR doses can check their child's vaccination record through their GP practice or the NHS App, where available. Taking up the invitation will help ensure children are protected against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox before the new school year and beyond.

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