Measles cases on the rise in Scotland amid drop in vaccination uptake

22 cases have been confirmed in the last three months - two fewer than the total number for 2024.

28th Mar 2025

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Health

Measles cases are rising in Scotland, with 22 confirmed cases in the last three months—two fewer than the total number for 2024.

It comes as new figures show that there’s been a decrease in the uptake of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

The first dose is offered to kids between the ages of 12 and 13 months. Last year, 92.8% had received it by 24 months old, rising to 95.1% by age five.

Compared to 2020’s figures, that’s a drop of 2.1% and 1.4%.

Meanwhile, the second booster dose is offered from the age of three years and four months. In 2024, 88.7% of children had had this by the age of five, rising to 90% by six years old.

Again, there’s been a decrease in its uptake over the past five years – of 3.4% and 3.1%.

Speaking to STV News, Dr Aravinda Guntupalli, a senior lecturer in public health, said: “Public health monitoring is happening, especially in Scotland, and the UK, and various other countries.

“There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that taking vaccination will impact health. Otherwise, our public health data that is collated in a very clear manner, with an evidence-based approach, would show something.

“Given that it doesn’t show, there is no need to fear.”

Public Health Scotland says it’s carefully monitoring the situation and that the vaccination is safe and effective and is the best way to prevent the highly infectious disease.