HSE releases details of measles vaccination catch-up campaign in Cork
Ireland's vaccination rate has fallen below the World Health Organisation's target of 95%, as five cases have sprung up across the country.
The HSE has provided details of the MMR vaccine catch-up plan amid rising measles cases and fears of a widespread outbreak.
The catch-up campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past, including children and young adults.
Health and care workers born after January 1st 1978 who may have missed MMR vaccination, or those born outside of Ireland are also advised to schedule a vaccination.
Anyone born in Ireland after January 1 1978, who may have missed an MMR vaccine, is also advised to schedule a vaccination.
Anyone who missed the MMR vaccine can get the vaccine at one of the clinics in Cork and Kerry this week, and anyone unsure whether they have had the MMR vaccine as a child, can still get the vaccine now to make sure they’re protected, with the spokesperson adding “if you cannot find your vaccination records, it will not harm you to have the MMR vaccine again.”
The HSE is offering catch-up MMR vaccine to children under 18 years of age who may have missed routine vaccination through GP services, and parents should contact their GP to make an appointment for their child/children.
HSE vaccination teams will also offer free MMR to young adults through vaccine clinics at third level educational settings for students and through HSE community vaccine clinics.
A vaccine portal is now open to book an appointment for MMR in community settings HERE. This is open to people aged five years and older (under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
The catch-up clinics will be held across Cork and Kerry and new dates are being added regularly.
- Bantry Newtown Vaccination Centre, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 H304 Tuesday, March 19: 9am-4:30pm
- Newmarket Primary Care, West End, Newmarket, Co. Cork, P51 W2PY: Wednesday, March 20: 10am-4pm
- Kinsale Primary Care Centre, New Road, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 RY11 Wednesday, March 20: 9am-3pm
- Skibbereen Dental Building, Mobile Vac Centre, Coolnagarrane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 HC43 Thursday, March 21, 9am-4pm
- Teach Mhuire, Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Cork City, T23 Y820 Friday, March 22: 10am-4pm
All healthcare workers, including staff working in non-HSE organisations, are advised to check locally with their Occupational Health Department or employer regarding provision of MMR vaccines. Staff can attend their GP or a HSE community vaccination clinic also.
Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, Dr Michael Hanrahan said, “Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness.
“Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling, which can be life-threatening or cause life-long disabilities.
"The free MMR vaccine clinics offer a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community from measles. The MMR vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella.
“Recent outbreaks of measles in Europe and the UK mean that travel can put you at risk of exposure.
“Getting vaccinated not only keeps you safe but also helps prevent the spread of measles in our communities. Don't wait - make sure you are vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from measles."
The HSE vaccination team on-site will be available to answer any questions and more information is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/.
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