HSE Media Statement
28 March 2024
A number of free Measles Mump and Rubella (MMR) Catch Up Vaccination Clinics will be open to members of the public this Easter Weekend and into next week across the South East.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) launched the MMR vaccine catch-up programme to address the increasing cases of measles and clinics are taking place in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary.
Kate Cassidy (General Manager for Vaccinations in HSE/South East Community Healthcare) said:
“Measles poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children under 12 months, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Despite prior efforts, MMR vaccination rates remain below the recommended 95% set by the World Health Organisation.”
“Measles cases are rising internationally and already this year in Europe there have been more cases of measles reported than in the whole of 2022. In August 2023 the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reported a small number of cases of measles in Ireland, the first outbreak since 2019.”
“We are asking anyone who may not have received their MMR to please come forward for their free vaccine at one of our dedicated Vaccination Clinics in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary. We are also asking people to start having the discussions with their family members and friends, to encourage others to come forward too.”
Note:
If you wish to make an appointment, more information is available on our MMR vaccination clinic page.
Alternatively, you can just walk in to one of our clinics and you will be seen.
Upcoming clinics in the South East are as follows:
- Carlow - Carlow Vaccination Centre, Grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital, Athy Road, Carlow Town, R93 X7TV - Saturday 30 March, 10am to 3pm, Thursday 4 April, 10am to 3pm
- Kilkenny - Grounds of Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene, Kilkenny City, R95 DK07 - Friday 29 March, 10am to 3pm, Tuesday 2 April, 10am to 3pm
- South Tipperary - South Tipperary Vaccination Centre, Grounds of St. Luke's Hospital, Clonmel, E91 PR83 - Friday 29 March, 12pm to 4pm, Friday 5 April, 12pm to 4pm
- Waterford - Waterford Vaccination Centre, Old St. Martins School, Cherrymount, Waterford City, X91 EY73 - Saturday 30 March, 12pm to 4pm, Wednesday 3 April, 12pm to 4pm
- Wexford - Wexford Vaccination Centre, Grounds of St. Johns Hospital, Munster Hill, Enniscorthy, Y21 H4CF - Monday 1 April, 1pm to 5pm, Tuesday 2 April, 12pm to 4pm
Last updated on: 29 / 03 / 2024
