A number of free Measles Mump and Rubella (MMR) Catch Up Vaccination Clinics, open to members of the public are taking place across the South East this week.
The 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.
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.
The HSE is asking anyone who may not have received their MMR to please come forward for their free vaccine at one of the HSE’s dedicated Vaccination Clinics in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary. The HSE is also asking people to start having the discussions with their family members and friends, to encourage others to come forward too.
Last updated on: 08 / 04 / 2024
