Why is the HSE concerned about Measles?
The HSE has issued a measles alert, urging parents to make sure children and young people are up to date with their MMR vaccine as recent reports indicate a rise in measles cases in certain regions of the UK as well as other parts of Europe, prompting us to advise people to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.
Measles is a potentially serious and highly infectious disease that can spread easily through respiratory droplets. To safeguard our communities, we recommend people ensure they are up to date with MMR vaccine to prevent spread of the disease if cases occur in Ireland.
The catch up campaign
There is a free catch-up MMR option through participating GPs and HSE clinics, for those who may have missed their vaccination when younger. Current public health advice indicates that people born in Ireland before 1978 are generally likely to have been exposed to measles as children and therefore unlikely to require MMR vaccine.
The HSE offers MMR vaccine to protect against measles to all children as part of its childhood immunisation schedule. Two doses are recommended to be considered fully vaccinated. The 1st dose is given when your child is 12 months of age. It is important to get the first MMR on time at 12 months and not delay because measles is more severe in young children. The second dose is due when children are in junior infants. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) have not made a recommendation to routinely give the 1st MMR dose earlier than 12 months of age.
Who is eligible for the MMR vaccine?
As part of the catch-up campaign MMR vaccine is available free for anyone born after 1978 with a specific focus on the following groups as vaccine coverage is currently lower in these cohorts.
- Children
- Young adults
- Healthcare workers
Is there anyone who doesn’t need MMR vaccine?
Current public health advice indicates that people born in Ireland before 1978 are likely to have been exposed to measles as children and, therefore should have previous immunity to measles.
Key messages
- MMR or prior infection is the only protection against measles
- Measles is preventable through vaccination.
- Vaccination is safe, effective, and essential for community immunity.
- Protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated.
- Timely vaccination ensures a healthier future for everyone. It is not too late to get your MMR.
- If a family member has been in contact with someone with measles, let your doctor know immediately and get medical advice. If you think someone in your family has measles, phone your doctor immediately for advice. Keep the child or adult at home and stop visitors coming to your home unless they know they are protected against measles (they have had two doses of MMR vaccine).
Visit www.hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP
Surveillance
- Details of notified cases of infectious diseases in Ireland are available on the HPSC website – Weekly Infectious Disease Report can be found here Weekly ID Reports – Health Protection Surveillance Centre (hpsc.ie)
Resources to support the campaign
Further information about the MMR vaccination is available at www.immunisation.ie.
See the HSE website for more information about the signs and symptoms, treatment and risks of measles https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles.
The following resources are available to download here
- Think Measles poster for Parents
- Think Measles poster: general
- Think Measles leaflet
You will soon be able to order these materials from www.healthpromotion.ie
