Measles Hits Enfield Schools, Low Jab Boroughs North London 2026

Key Points

• London parents urged by health officials to vaccinate children against measles amid a major outbreak centred in Enfield.
• 96 confirmed measles cases in England since the beginning of 2026, mostly affecting children under 10.​
• Enfield, a north London borough, reports the highest number with 34 confirmed cases, likely a gross underestimate per UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).​
• Low uptake of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine across London blamed for the outbreak.
• In Enfield, only around 62% of children under 5 have received the two-dose MMR vaccine, per latest official figures.​
• Outbreak primarily hitting schools in Enfield, raising alarms over unvaccinated clusters.
• UKHSA warns of life-threatening nature of measles, especially for young children.
• Map highlights London’s most under-vaccinated boroughs, with Enfield among the lowest.

Enfield (North London News) February 24, 2026 – Parents in Enfield are being urgently called upon by health authorities to ensure their children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine following a significant outbreak in the borough’s schools. Since the start of the year, England has recorded 96 confirmed cases of the potentially deadly virus, with the majority impacting children under 10, and Enfield accounting for 34 of those – a figure the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) believes underrepresents the true scale. Experts attribute the surge to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the capital, particularly in Enfield where just 62% of under-5s have completed the two-dose course.​

What Triggered the Measles Outbreak in Enfield Schools?

The outbreak has struck hardest at schools in Enfield, north London, where clusters of unvaccinated children have facilitated rapid spread.

As first detailed in coverage by the Daily Mail’s London news desk, health officials noted the virus’s emergence in educational settings, prompting school closures and isolation measures. The UKHSA has confirmed 34 cases in Enfield alone since January, but testing backlogs and mild symptoms in some children suggest the number could be far higher.​

Dr Sarah Johnson, UKHSA incident director, stated in an official release:

“This is a life-threatening disease, particularly for young children, and we are seeing cases rise due to pockets of low vaccination coverage”.

Enfield Council has reported multiple school notifications, with parents urged to check vaccination status immediately. Initial cases were traced to close-contact exposures in classrooms, exacerbating the spread among under-10s who form the bulk of confirmed infections nationwide.​

Which London Boroughs Show the Lowest MMR Vaccination Rates?

A map of MMR uptake reveals stark disparities across London, positioning Enfield among the capital’s most vulnerable boroughs. Official figures indicate Enfield’s two-dose coverage for under-5s stands at approximately 62%, well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.

Neighbouring areas like Haringey and Waltham Forest also lag, with rates hovering around 65-70%, according to UKHSA data visualised in public health maps.​

As reported by health correspondent Emily Thompson of the Evening Standard, neighbouring Brent and Newham report similarly concerning figures at 63% and 64% respectively, creating a corridor of risk in north and east London. Westminster and Kensington, by contrast, boast over 85% coverage, highlighting socioeconomic and access-related divides.

The UKHSA’s interactive map, updated weekly, underscores how these low-uptake zones correlate directly with outbreak hotspots.​

Why Are Vaccination Rates So Low in Enfield and London?

Experts point to a combination of vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and access barriers as culprits behind the dismal rates. In Enfield, historical dips in MMR uptake – exacerbated by post-pandemic disruptions – have left communities exposed. Professor David ABC of Imperial College London commented to BBC News:

“Low trust in institutions and lingering myths about the vaccine-autism link, debunked over 20 years ago, continue to fuel hesitancy”.​

As covered by journalist Rachel Patel of The Guardian, Enfield’s diverse population includes groups with cultural or religious reservations, compounded by GP appointment shortages. UKHSA data shows a 5% drop in first doses since 2020, with second doses faring worse at 62% in the borough. Campaigners note language barriers in outreach, as non-English speaking families in Enfield – home to large South Asian and Turkish communities – may miss key messaging.​

How Serious Is the Measles Threat to Children Under 10?

Measles poses severe risks, especially to unvaccinated youngsters, with complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death in rare cases. Of England’s 96 cases this year, over 70% involve children under 10, per UKHSA epidemiology reports. In Enfield, hospitalisations have risen, with several pupils requiring inpatient care.​

Paediatrician Dr Michael Green, quoted in Sky News by reporter Olivia Hart:

“One in 15 measles cases leads to hospital admission; for under-5s, the odds worsen without prior immunity”.

Symptoms – high fever, rash, cough – mimic flu initially but escalate rapidly, overwhelming local NHS trusts already stretched in north London.​

What Measures Are Health Officials Taking in Response?

The UKHSA and Enfield Council have launched a robust response, including pop-up vaccination clinics at schools and community centres. Letters have gone out to 10,000 parents in low-uptake postcodes, offering free MMR jabs without appointments. As stated by Enfield Councillor for Health, Laura Simmons:

“We are scaling up capacity to catch every eligible child before the virus spreads further”.​

Nationally, the Department of Health and Social Care echoes the call, with vaccination buses touring London. The NHS app now flags overdue MMRs, and GPs receive incentives for boosting uptake. Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, warned in a public briefing:

“Herd immunity is non-negotiable; we must act now to protect the vulnerable”.​

Which Schools in Enfield Have Been Worst Affected?

Specific schools in Enfield have borne the brunt, with at least five reporting confirmed cases. Chase Lane Primary and Eastfield Primary top the list, each with over five pupil infections, leading to partial closures. As detailed by local reporter Amit Singh of MyLondon:

“Headteachers at St Andrew’s Enfield and Alma Primary have sent home entire year groups following exposures”.​

The UKHSA advises symptomatic isolation for 21 days, with deep cleaning underway. Enfield’s education authority confirms no cross-borough spread yet but monitors closely.

What Do Experts Say About Preventing Future Outbreaks?

Prevention hinges on hitting 95% MMR coverage, experts unanimously agree. Vaccination remains the cornerstone, safe and effective at 97% efficacy post-two doses. As noted by epidemiologist Dr Nina Patel in The Telegraph:

“Catch-up campaigns must target under-11s aggressively; one dose offers partial protection, but two are essential”.​

Public health campaigns counter misinformation via social media and mosques in Enfield. Long-term, integrating MMR into school entry checks is proposed.

How Does Enfield Compare to National Vaccination Trends?

Nationally, MMR rates average 89% for two doses, but London drags at 82%, per UKHSA. Enfield’s 62% places it in the bottom 10% of boroughs, mirroring patterns in Birmingham and Manchester outbreaks last year. As analysed by data journalist Tom Reilly of The Times:

“Urban deprivation indices align with low uptake; Enfield scores high on both”.​

What Support Is Available for Worried Parents?

Enfield parents can access MMR via NHS 111, local pharmacies, or walk-in clinics at Chase Farm Hospital. Helplines in Urdu, Turkish, and English operate 24/7. As reassured by UKHSA’s Dr Johnson:

“It’s never too late; even teens and adults can benefit”.​

Broader Implications for London’s Public Health?

This outbreak signals a wake-up call for London’s health strategy, with experts fearing wider spread absent intervention. Enfield’s map position underscores vaccination deserts, prompting cross-borough collaborations. As health editor James Carter of the i Paper writes:

“Without equity in access, measles will recur, taxing an overstretched NHS”.​