21 March, 2024
The HSE this week confirmed details of an MMR catch-up campaign to protect against measles due to recent reports of a rise in measles cases in certain regions of the UK and 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.
Dr. Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE National Immunisation Office, explained: “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. Complications of measles include ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures and less commonly encephalitis (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.”
The campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past:
- Children
- Young adults
- Health and care workers.
How to get your vaccine:
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 for children age 5 years and older, healthcare workers, people born in Ireland on or after 1 January 1978, and people born outside of Ireland and at risk of measles infection.
Find a vaccination clinic
The following clinics (from week beginning 18 March) are taking place across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford:
- Carlow - Carlow Vaccination Centre, Grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital, Athy Road, Carlow Town, R93 X7TV - Thursday 21 March, 10am to 3pm
- Kilkenny - Grounds of Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene, Kilkenny City, R95 DK07 - Friday 22 March, 10am to 3pm
- South Tipperary - Pop-up Our Lady’s Hospital Cashel, Lower Green, Cashel, E25 AN88 - Friday 22 March, 12pm to 4pm
- Pop-Up - Tipperary Town Primary Care Centre, Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town, E34 K682 - Thursday 21 March, 12pm to 4pm
- South Tipperary Vaccination Centre, Grounds of St. Luke's Hospital, Clonmel, E91 PR83 - Friday 22 March, 12pm to 4pm
- Waterford - Waterford Vaccination Centre, Old St. Martins School, Cherrymount, Waterford City, X91 EY73 - Saturday 23 March, 12pm to 4pm
- Wexford - Wexford Vaccination Centre, Grounds of St. Johns Hospital, Munster Hill, Enniscorthy, Y21 H4CF - Saturday 23 March, 12pm to 4pm
Book an appointment
Some walk-in appointments are also available.
Additionally, the HSE will also provide targeted clinics for specific groups including students and young people in education settings, underserved groups including refugees, applicants seeking protection and other minority groups.
Last updated on: 21 / 03 / 2024
