Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: What you need to know about measles

WE’RE used to hearing about measles, in the context of the MMR vaccination that is received at 12 months of age, and again in Junior Infants, along with mumps and rubella.

As with all vaccinations, there needs to be a high uptake amongst the population for it to be effective – this is known as herd immunity.

For many years, cases of measles have not been an issue, due to the sufficient vaccination levels. This, however, is changing, in large part due to misinformation and false research findings about its safety, which scared people away from availing of it for their children.

Recently, somebody took a flight into Dublin who ended up having measles. The word was put out very quickly to anybody who had been on that flight, to get in contact and arrange next steps. The flurry of action and urgency was due to the fact measles is really not a good thing to become sick with or to pass onto others.

It’s a virus and presents like a cold initially, with temperature, loss of appetite, aches and pains, and general malaise. 

Some may get white-grey spots in their mouth, but not all do. A few days later, the typical measles rash appears – patchy red or brown, blotchy and sometimes slightly raised. It’s slightly itchy too.

Measles is very dangerous in those with a weakened immune system, in children, or in pregnancy. Therefore, if a case occurs, strict restrictions for infection prevention control to prevent it being passed on should be applied. This is to safeguard yourself and others.

The MMR vaccine can be given to a baby as young as six months if we think they’ve been exposed. However, the baby would then need to start their two-dose regimen at one year old as normal.

Due to the rise in measles cases, there are catch-up MMR vaccine clinics available for those aged five and upwards, healthcare workers, people born in Ireland in or after 1978, and those born outside of Ireland and at risk of contracting measles. It’s free to those who haven’t received the two vaccines previously.

The two vaccines are received 28 days apart typically, and in the event of not being sure whether or not the two were received in the past, the local health offices may be able to provide details. It’s encouraging to note that inadvertently receiving a third vaccine doesn’t increase any side effects. Those who are pregnant should not receive a vaccine.

There’s a large number of clinics running all over the country, and this can be checked on the HSE website.If you happen to be unlucky enough to get measles – don’t worry. For many it’s unpleasant, but recovery does happen. Rest, fluids and paracetamol and ibuprofen are worth focusing on to help ease symptoms.

Only in the small minority of vulnerable people do complications arise, such as inflammation in other parts of the body, irritability and pain.

If you’re in that risk category of patients, it’s certainly worth asking your point of contact on what is the best course of action for you.

Eradicating measles back to the dark ages would be fantastic, but this will require vaccination and buy-in from the general public - all hands on deck to get those vaccination levels back up.

Measles is very dangerous in those with a weakened immune system, in children or in pregnancy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Michelle O’Driscoll is a pharmacist, re searcher and founder of InTuition, a health and wellness education company. Her research lies in the area of mental health education, and through InTuition she delivers health promotion workshops to corporate and academic organisations nationally.

INFORMATION FROM THE HSE ON THE FREE CATCH-UP MMR VACCINE

You can get your free MMR catch-up vaccine at walk-in clinics over Easter.

MMR clinics will be open across the Easter break for anyone who needs to be vaccinated against measles. 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.

The catch-up campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past:

· Children (if your child had a MMR at 12 months and is due to start Junior Infants in September, they are appropriately vaccinated and will get their second dose in school) 

· Young adults

 · Health and care workers born after January 1st 1978 who may have missed MMR vaccination, or those born outside of Ireland, are advised to schedule a vaccination.

· Anyone born in Ireland after January 1st 1978, who may have missed an MMR vaccine, is also advised to schedule a vaccination.

 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. 

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 who is aged 5 years and over - including all age groups for those born outside of Ireland.

Children and babies 

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

Young adults 

HSE vaccination teams will 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. The following clinics are also open to walk-ins next week:

CORK:

Clinic A, Block 38, St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Rd, Cork, T12 XH60 

Monday, April 1: 10am-2pm . Clinic A is signposted from the main entrance of St Finbarr’s Hospital campus. It’s the second right after the main entrance, just past the Blood Bank and through the same entrance as the Orthodontic Clinic.

 Teach Mhuire, Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Cork, T23 Y820 

Friday, April 5: 10am-4pm 

 Skibbereen Dental Clinic, Grounds of Skibbereen Community Hospital, Coolnagarrane, P81 HC43

 Monday, April 1: 9:30am-1:30pm 

 Castletownbere Primary Care Centre, Room 2, Derrymihan West, Castletownbere, Cork, P75 W884

 Tuesday, April 2: 10:30am-1:30pm 

 Bandon Primary Care Centre, Room 8, Market Street, Gully, Bandon, Co. Cork, P72 WD58 

Friday, April 5: 1pm-4pm 

 Dr Michael Hanrahan, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, 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 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."

The HSE vaccination team on-site are available to answer any questions you may have. 

There’s also more information on www.hse.ie/measles