Health officials in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, are urging families to check their children’s vaccination records following a rise in measles cases across the country. Between January 1, 2026, and February 9, 2026, there were 96 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England, with over one-third of these found in the London borough of Enfield.
The Southend-on-Sea City Council is asking parents and carers to book any missed doses to help keep schools and nurseries open. According to Mid and South Essex NHS, two doses of the vaccine provide lifelong protection against the virus, which can lead to serious health problems like pneumonia or meningitis.
On January 1, 2026, a new 4-in-1 vaccine known as MMRV officially replaced the standard MMR dose in the routine childhood schedule. This updated version protects children against measles, mumps, and rubella, while also including protection against chickenpox. Families can check their child’s red book or digital health records to see if they have received both necessary doses.
Health experts from Livewell Southend say the virus is highly contagious and spreads easily. Common symptoms include a high fever, a cough, and a blotchy rash that usually appears a few days after the initial feeling of being unwell.
Anyone who thinks their child has symptoms is advised to stay at home and call their GP or NHS 111 for advice. Health leaders are asking people not to visit a GP surgery or hospital in person to prevent the virus from spreading to other vulnerable patients in waiting rooms.
