Experts and medical professionals have warned that MMR vaccination rates are at the lowest level they have been in a decade.
With the latest data revealing that more than one in 10 school entry-age children in England are now at risk of measles due to not having their MMR jab – which protects against measles, mumps and rubella – the UKHSA and NHS have launched a campaign urging parents and guardians to make sure children have had their MMR vaccinations and other routine jabs before starting school.
Children can receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine on the NHS at the age of one, and the second dose when they are three years and four months old.
According to the most recent figures, between July and September last year, just 88.6% of children in England had received their first MMR dose by the age of two, while just 85.5% had received both doses by the age of five – the lowest in a decade.
The World Health Organisation says that 95% of children need to be vaccinated to prevent the rise of measles.
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Measles is highly infectious and can cause pneumonia, inflammation of the brain – known as encephalitis – damage to the immune system which leaves children more susceptible to other infections, and in some rare cases, can also cause subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which can lead to destruction of the central nervous system, loss of motor control, epilepsy, and even death.
Research commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care and the UKHSA found that 48% of parents and guardians of children aged five and under did not know that measles can lead to serious complications.
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Only 38% of those surveyed knew measles could be fatal.
Children can receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine on the NHS at the age of one / Credit: Flickr (Dave Haygarth)
When a high percentage of the population is protected through vaccination, it becomes harder for the measles to pass between people – but since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a concerning drop in the number of children receiving these vaccines on time.
Experts say this may be due to some parents having realised doctors were still offering appointments, or did not want to burden the NHS.
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Dr Vanessa Saliba – Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA – said: “The MMR vaccine offers the best protection from measles, mumps and rubella which is why we’re calling on parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with their two doses.
“Even a small drop in vaccine coverage can have a big impact on population immunity levels and lead to outbreaks.”
“It is incredibly important that all parents and guardians ensure their child is up to date with their routine vaccinations, including MMR, as these vaccines give children crucial protection against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community,” added Dr Nikki Kanani – GP and Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England, said:
“If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection against disease.”
Police appeal for witnesses after motorcyclist dies in fatal M60 crash near Salford
Emily Sergeant
Police are appealing to the public for witnesses and footage after a crash on the M60 claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
The appeal comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a road traffic collision between three cars and a motorbike between junctions 15 and 16 on the M60 on the clockwise carriageway, near Salford, at around 6.15pm this past Sunday (12 October 2025).
When officers arrived on the scene, they found that the rider of the motorbike, a man in his 60s, had sadly died after suffering fatal injuries.
The incident led to a partial closure of the M60, with the motorway needing to be shut for several hours after the collision.
Two of the three drivers involved in the fatal incident have now been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Traffic is being held on the #M60 clockwise between J15 (#M61) and J16 (#Kearsley) due to a serious collision involving a car and motorbike.@gmpolice@NWAmbulance on scene.
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) October 12, 2025
With the arrests made and the police investigation ongoing and proceeding at pace, GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.
They are also keen to speak to anyone who may dashcam footage from the area in the moments leading up to the crash.
Anyone with any information or footage from the incident is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 2294 of 12/10/2025, or they can head online to use to ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on GMP’s website – www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Roboflow Universe
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Manchester Remembers Foundation announces its return for a special anniversary charity match
Danny Jones
The Manchester Remembers Foundation has announced the return of its charity football game in 2027, which will coincide with a special anniversary close to all Mancunians.
For those unaware, the MCR Remembers charity matches were set up in memory of the Manchester Arena victims, helping raise funds for the families of the 22 who sadly died in the attack.
While the fifth iteration of what started out as an annual vision, set for this past summer, was sadly cancelled back in May and the Foundation itself seemingly shut down, the co-founders have decided they’re not ready for it all to end just yet.
Somewhat quietly confirming the return of the fundraising footy match on social media, the next fixture will be returning next year, which marks a full decade since the tragedy.
Folks, having time to reflect we’ve decided that we just couldn’t go out like we did. No matter how difficult things get we have to keep going.
We are planning a spectacular return for the 10th anniversary in 2027. Plans and talks to begin shortly pic.twitter.com/ZRTmAJalov
— The McrRemembers Foundation™️⚽️🐝 (@McrRemembers) October 2, 2025
Writing a slightly lengthier statement on Instagram, MCR Remembers creators Aaron Lee and Paul Corrigan said: “No matter how difficult things get and how little support we get from people in positions to help, we have to keep going.
“We take inspiration from the brave and courageous people who were so closely involved with the arena attack. We will continue to remember those affected and celebrate their legacy.
“We are planning a spectacular return for the 10th anniversary in 2027. Plans and talks to begin shortly We will reassess after that event. As always, thank you to those that stuck by us. We see you, and we appreciate every single one of you. Stay tuned. Aaron / Paul.”
Lee – a local and a former police officer on 22 May 2017 – set up the organisation with his friend and fellow fundraiser (10 marathons in 10 months) with the aim of not only honouring those lost but also to help raise vital funds for their families and native bereavement charities.
They’re two incredibly inspiring individuals who have done a lot to help those in and around Greater Manchester, as well as keep that date in our heads and hearts.
Although information is still scarce in these early stages, The MCR Remembers Foundation has assured that details regarding exactly when and where the game is set to take place will be shared over the coming week and months.
It goes without saying that we here at The Manc are glad to see the moving charity match being confirmed for a comeback, even if it’s only for a one-off, and can’t wait to see which ex-pros and celebrity players get involved.
Then again, who knows? A successful return could signal the start of a fully-fledged revival, and we sincerely hope it does.
Watch this space and see you next year for the anniversary edition of Manchester Remembers 2027.