Cork people urged to avail of MMR vaccination at free walk-in clinics

People in Cork are being warned that cases of the measles are on the rise, and Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is calling on anyone who may not have had their MMR vaccination to make an appointment - or come along to free walk-in clinics.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications for all ages. The only protection is vaccination, with two doses needed for full vaccination.

"Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body," Dr Michael Hanrahan, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, explained. 

"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 walk-in MMR vaccine clinics offer a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community from measles. Don't wait - make sure you are vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from measles," he added.

The catch-up campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past; including children, young adults, health and care workers born after January 1 1978 who may have missed MMR vaccination, or those born outside of Ireland, and anyone born in Ireland after January 1 1978, who may have missed an MMR vaccine.

The HSE is offering catch-up MMR vaccines to children under 18  who may have missed routine vaccination. This is being offered through GP services and parents should contact their GP to make an appointment.

Meanwhile, HSE community clinics are for everyone eligible who is aged five years and over.

If you are not sure if you have had the MMR vaccine when you were a child, you can still get the vaccine now to make sure you’re protected. If you cannot find your vaccination records, it will not harm you to have the MMR vaccine again.

The following clinics are also open to walk-ins next week:

• Charleville Primary Care Centre, Rathgoggan South, Charleville, Co. Cork, P56 TP20 on Monday, April 8: 10am-4pm 
• Mizen Primary Care Centre, Ardmanagh Road, Ardmanagh, Schull, Co. Cork, P81 X954 on Tuesday, April 9: 10am-2pm 
• Bantry Vaccination Centre, Newtown, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 H304 on Thursday, April 11: 9am-4pm 

Visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/ to book an appointment.