Enfield Measles Outbreak Urges Hitchin Parents to Vaccinate 2026

Key Points

• Parents and carers in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, are being urged to check their children’s vaccination status due to a significant measles outbreak in neighbouring Enfield.
• Hertfordshire has only a small number of cases currently, but public health leaders warn against complacency given close community links across north London and south Hertfordshire.
• Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, highlighted that measles is a nasty illness causing serious complications in children, with one in five requiring hospital treatment and occasional fatalities.
• The MMR vaccine (noted as MMRV in the source, likely referring to MMR) is highly effective and safe; children require two doses for full protection.
• One in ten Hertfordshire children remain at risk due to incomplete MMR vaccination schedules.

Hitchin, (North London News) February 23, 2026 – Parents and carers in Hitchin are being urged to check their children’s vaccination status following a significant measles outbreak in neighbouring Enfield, as Hertfordshire records only a small number of cases but faces risks from close north London ties.​

Public health officials emphasise the need for vigilance, noting the highly contagious nature of measles and its potential severity in unvaccinated children. Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, warned that the county must not become complacent despite low local figures. This alert comes amid broader concerns over falling vaccination rates in the region.

What Triggered the Warning to Hertfordshire Parents?

The prompt for this public health advisory stems directly from a notable measles outbreak in Enfield, a neighbouring borough in north London with strong community connections to south Hertfordshire areas like Hitchin.

As reported in the initial coverage, while Hertfordshire itself reports only a small number of cases, the proximity and frequent movement between these areas heighten transmission risks.​

Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, stated:

“Measles is a nasty illness that can make children very unwell. Sadly, some children who catch measles develop serious complications. One in five children end up needing hospital treatment, and occasionally measles can be fatal.”

This direct quote underscores the urgency, drawing from official council communications to alert families proactively.

Public health leaders, including Perman, stress that cross-border links—through schools, workplaces, and social activities—mean Hertfordshire cannot afford complacency. The advisory targets parents and carers specifically, urging immediate checks on vaccination records to prevent local spread.

How Serious Is the Measles Threat in Hertfordshire?

Measles poses a severe risk, particularly to unvaccinated children, with data indicating one in five affected children requiring hospitalisation. Sarah Perman elaborated:

“Luckily there is a very effective and safe vaccine available. Children need two doses of the MMRV vaccine to get full protection.”

Note that MMRV typically combines MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) with varicella (chickenpox), but the focus here is on measles prevention via MMR components.​

Complications can be life-threatening, as Perman noted, with fatalities occurring occasionally. Hertfordshire’s current low case numbers provide a window for action, but the Enfield outbreak serves as a stark reminder of rapid escalation potential. Health experts recommend two doses for full immunity, typically administered at 12 months and a preschool booster.

What Is the Current Situation in Enfield and Hertfordshire?

Enfield has experienced a significant measles outbreak, prompting spillover concerns for adjacent Hertfordshire. In Hitchin and surrounding areas, cases remain minimal, but officials monitor closely due to shared infrastructure and population flows across north London and south Hertfordshire borders.​

No specific case counts for Enfield were detailed in the primary report, but its scale warranted the Hertfordshire alert. Hertfordshire County Council, via Perman, positions this as a precautionary measure, leveraging early intervention to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Why Are One in Ten Hertfordshire Children at Risk?

Vaccination gaps leave one in ten Hertfordshire children unprotected, as Perman confirmed:

“One in ten Hertfordshire children are at risk of catching measles as they are not up to date with their MMRV vaccine.”

This statistic highlights a concerning trend in uptake rates, potentially linked to hesitancy or access issues.​

Public health campaigns aim to address this, promoting the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.

Two doses ensure robust immunity, yet incomplete schedules expose communities to outbreaks like Enfield’s. Factors such as misinformation or logistical barriers may contribute, though officials urge GP visits for catch-up doses.

What Does the MMR Vaccine Involve?

The MMR vaccine (or MMRV variant) is described by Sarah Perman as “very effective and safe,” requiring two doses for optimal protection. First dose around age one, second before school entry, it targets measles alongside mumps, rubella, and potentially varicella.​

Side effects are mild and rare, far outweighed by disease risks. Hertfordshire parents can access it free via NHS services, with no appointment needed for eligible children. This straightforward intervention forms the core of the current advisory.

Who Is Issuing This Urgent Call?

Sarah Perman leads the response as Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council. Her statements, quoted extensively, frame the outbreak’s implications: from illness severity to vaccination imperatives.​

The council collaborates with NHS partners, GPs, and schools to disseminate the message. Perman’s role ensures coordinated, evidence-based action, targeting Hitchin families amid Enfield’s outbreak.

How Can Parents Check Vaccination Status?

Parents in Hitchin and across Hertfordshire should contact their GP or use the NHS app to review records. Catch-up clinics are available for missed doses, as emphasised in the advisory.​

No complacency is advised; immediate action prevents escalation. Schools may also notify parents, reinforcing the council’s call.

What Are the Links Between Enfield, Hitchin, and North London?

Geographic and social ties bind these areas: commuting, family visits, and shared events facilitate spread. North London’s urban sprawl connects seamlessly to south Hertfordshire, amplifying risks from Enfield’s outbreak.​

Public transport and roads like the A414 link Hitchin directly, underscoring Perman’s non-complacency plea.

Are There Broader UK Vaccination Concerns?

While this report focuses locally, national trends show MMR uptake below WHO targets (95% for herd immunity), mirroring Hertfordshire’s one-in-ten gap. Enfield’s outbreak reflects pockets of low coverage nationwide.​

Hertfordshire’s proactive stance exemplifies best practice, potentially averting wider issues.

What Happens If Measles Spreads Further?

Untreated spread could strain local hospitals, with one in five cases hospitalised per Perman. Fatalities, though rare, loom for vulnerable groups like infants or immunocompromised individuals.​

Vaccination remains the bulwark, with two-dose compliance key.

Expert Advice on Prevention?

Sarah Perman reiterated: “Luckily there is a very effective and safe vaccine available.” Hygiene and isolation aid, but immunisation is paramount.​

GPs offer confidential advice, no judgement for delays.

Timeline of the Outbreak?

Enfield’s “significant” outbreak precedes this 23 February 2026 alert, with Hertfordshire cases “small” but watched. No exact onset date given, but urgency implies recent escalation.​

Official Contact Points?

Hertfordshire County Council and local GPs handle queries. Perman’s team coordinates via public health channels.​

Community Response Expected?

Parents urged to act swiftly, fostering collective immunity. Schools and nurseries amplify messaging.​