The Latest Breaking News from Helen Bedford

Global efforts to protect children against diseases like measles, polio and tuberculosis have stalled since 2010, leaving millions vulnerable to deadly infections

There has been a surge in cases of scabies and measles – both highly contagious – as well as rickets and scurvy, conditions we thought had been eradicated. Are public health cuts to blame?

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, meningitis, and on rare occasions, long-term disability or death. Symptoms include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash.

Parents and guardians urged to ensure children are vaccinated against potentially deadly disease, with adults also eligible for jabs

It's good news that parents still have faith in vaccinations and support a new jab so their children can avoid the illness, says Miriam Stoppard

Experts say making the jabs routinely available would mean parents will no longer need to expose their children to 'chickenpox parties'

Making chickenpox jabs widely available would mean parents no longer need to expose their children to 'chicken pox parties'

Research suggests about three-quarters of parents would support a chickenpox jab being added to the childhood vaccination schedule.

Figures show vaccine coverage fell in 13 out of the 14 routine vaccination programmes for children up to five years old in England in 2021-22.