UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for measles vaccination rates to be increased from 87.2% to 95%, following the UK's loss of its measles-free status, three years after the virus was eliminated. It is a view shared by Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England. The move comes as a new study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal found that there is no link between childhood vaccines and autism. Health experts said difficulties securing GP appointments led to declining vaccination rates, Q1 2019 saw 231 confirmed measles cases. Health Secretary Matt Hancock recently said he could consider compulsory inoculation.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for measles vaccination rates to be increased from 87.2% to 95%, following the UK's loss of its measles-free status, three years after the virus was eliminated. The move comes as a new study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal found that there is no link between childhood vaccines and autism. Health experts said difficulties securing GP appointments led to declining vaccination rates, Q1 2019 saw 231 confirmed measles cases. Health Secretary Matt Hancock recently said he could consider compulsory inoculation.