GP practices will contact eligible children aged 12 months to under 6 years who have missed one or two doses of the new MMR/V vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).
Meanwhile, families of children aged 6 to 11 years who have missed MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations will be invited to book an appointment through either the NHS App, SMS, email or letter.
Figures published by the UK Health Security Agency show there were over 800 cases of measles in the first half of 2026 and two reported deaths, compared to 959 cases for the whole of 2025. There have been clusters of measles cases reported in areas of the country, including the West Midlands.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Measles is an infectious disease which spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, blindness and seizures.
“The best way to protect your child against measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the vaccine provide long-term protection, and so we’re encouraging parents to take action."
NHS Director of Vaccination Caroline Temmink added: “These childhood illnesses are serious and some of them in rare cases can be fatal, but they are entirely preventable.
“This is why GPs 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 MMR or MMR/V vaccinations, please come forward and take up this crucial offer.”
