MMR vaccine campaign 'stepped up' due to Measles outbreak

Vaccines are available from local GPs.

The HSE has announced details of an MMR catch-up campaign to protect against Measles because of the rise in cases of the disease across the UK and Europe.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE National Immunisation Office, explained that Measles is highly infectious and can be an acute and serious infection. “It causes a rash illness with cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and high fever,” she continued. “Complications of Measles include ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures and less commonly inflammation of the brain and even death.

“The only protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed and if a child or young adult is not fully protected then MMR vaccines can be obtained from your GP or HSE Vaccination Clinic.”

Meanwhile, this latest campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups that may have missed their vaccines in the past. These include children; young adults, and health and care workers.

MMR vaccines are available free of charge from GPs to all groups, but primarily to those under 18 years, and from HSE community clinics for everyone eligible who is aged five years and over. A list of Vaccination Clinics is available at https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/vaccination-clinics. Appointments can be booked with some walk-in clinics available.