MMR vaccine rates below WHO target in Blackburn with Darwen

It also comes after the latest NHS figures revealed the area’s uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade.

Only 86.5 per cent of children in the borough had received their first dose of the MMR vaccine (MMR1) by age two in 2023/24 - down from 89.9 per cent the previous year.

Uptake of the second dose by age five (MMR2) also declined, falling to 85.2 per cent.

Both figures are well below the 95 per cent threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent the spread of measles through herd immunity.

The uptake rate of the MMR1 and MMR2 vaccines in Blackburn with Darwen since 2013/14 (Image: NHS England) In 2013/14, the MMR1 rate at 24 months stood at 94.2 per cent, and the MMR2 rate at five years was 89.3 per cent.

Although there were some fluctuations in the years since, the latest drop brings uptake in Blackburn with Darwen to its lowest point in over a decade.

The rest of Lancashire (excluding Blackpool Borough Council) has experienced similar declines, though rates there remain slightly higher, with MMR1 at 89.9 per cent and MMR2 at 87.1 per cent in the most recent year.

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Professor Abdul Razaq, director of public health for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Measles spreads very easily among people who are unvaccinated, especially children.

"While for many it can be a very unpleasant illness, for others, measles can be more serious and lead to hospitalisation and complications, and can tragically cause death.

“We know that vaccination is key to preventing infection, and two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong protection.

"Ahead of the summer holidays, we have been sharing advice from the UK Health Security Agency to remind our residents of the importance of vaccination against measles, as measles is still common in many countries worldwide.

The figures for Lancashire excluding Blackburn with Darwen and the Blackpool Borough Council area (Image: NHS England) “If anyone thinks they, or their child, is not up to date with two doses of the measles vaccine, they should contact their GP to catch up on missed doses.”

The renewed local focus comes after the death of a child from measles at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, amid a wider outbreak in the city.

Public health officials there have linked the rise in cases to falling vaccination rates. In Liverpool, only 73 per cent of five-year-olds have received both MMR doses, well below the national average of 88.8 per cent.

Nationally, the situation is also causing concern. Cllr David Fothergill, chair of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, said in a statement: “There is an urgent need to address falling immunisation rates.

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"Nationally, only 84 per cent of children in England receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine by age two, and just 88.8 per cent receive both doses by age five - below the 95 per cent threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to achieve herd immunity.

“These gaps have contributed to 529 confirmed measles cases in England so far in 2025, with 68 per cent occurring in children under the age of 10.

“We need action alongside awareness, and councils stand ready to work in close partnership with the NHS and national government to ensure families have access to clear, trusted information and convenient services to help ensure every child is protected.”

A vaccine being prepared (Image: Martin Rickett/PA) While vaccine hesitancy is often discussed, health experts have also pointed to other factors, including access to GP appointments and lack of awareness about when vaccinations are due.

As schools prepare to break up for summer, local health leaders are urging parents to check their child’s vaccination record and to make arrangements to catch up on missed doses.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health at Lancashire County Council, said: "Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. It is particularly severe for any child and, unfortunately, can lead to serious complications, especially in young infants and those with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, it can tragically result in death.

"Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine, yet many thousands of children across the country remain unvaccinated and at risk. The MMR vaccine offers the best protection against measles.

"Please act now to ensure your children are fully protected. You can check your child's immunisation Red Book or speak with your GP surgery."