Approximately 90% of eligible people in Ireland have already received their MMR vaccine.
The WHO set a target of 95% MMR coverage in the population to achieve community immunity. Some eligible people have not been vaccinated and we need to encourage those individuals to avail of the MMR Catch-up Programme, particularly if they are planning to travel over the summer holidays. People can get the vaccine through their GP.
For those who have received dose one at an MMR vaccination clinic, they can get dose two at a HSE clinic. The HSE clinic will tell them when to get dose two.
Measles can be unpleasant and is a potentially serious and highly infectious disease. Serious complications of measles include pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). One in five infected may need to go to hospital and it can be fatal.
The symptoms of measles include:
Cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough – Sore red eyes that may be sensitive to light. A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above, which may reach around 40 degrees Celsius. Small greyish-white spots in your mouth – Loss of appetite – Tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy. Rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.
Visit https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/book-an-appointment on how to get an MMR vaccine.
Further information about measles symptoms is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/mmr-vaccine