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 discovered . Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who recently said he wouldn't rule out considering compulsory vaccination, added: "It's easy to forget how devastating measles can be precisely because vaccines are so effective at preventing it in the first place. " Johnson said regions with low populations would be targeted , and more advice would be made available on the NHS website . Health experts said difficulties with GP appointments led to declining vaccination rates , and 2019 saw 231 confirmed measles cases . Health Secretary Jim 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 discovered . Johnson said regions with low populations would be targeted , and more advice would be made available on the NHS website . Health experts said difficulties with GP appointments led to declining vaccination rates , and 2019 saw 231 confirmed measles cases . Health Secretary Jim Hancock recently said he could consider compulsory inoculation .