AN ALARMING rise in the number of cases of measles being reported in the Mid West has prompted the HSE to organise a series of free community MMR clinics.
Measles has reappeared nationally as a cause for concern and the clinics are part of a renewed awareness and engagement campaign over the coming months to ensure more people, aged 12 months and older, are fully vaccinated and protected against the serious disease.
The HSE will be hosting a number of education sessions at healthcare facilities and public places (including shopping centres) to promote the MMR vaccine, educate on measles, and promote its free clinics.
The flagship free walk-in and scheduled MMR clinics will take place at Great National South Court Hotel, Raheen, this Saturday (July 27) between 10am and 4pm.
A clinic will also be held this Thursday (July 25) from 12pm to 7pm at the Ulster Bank unit in the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle, along with an open information session on measles and the MMR vaccine.
Due to ongoing widespread outbreaks across the UK and Europe, there is a greater risk of measles infection with international travel, particularly among babies aged under one, who have yet to get their first MMR dose.
“This is why we are appealing to parents travelling with young children to avail of the free MMR for babies aged six months and older,” a spokesperson said.
Public Health HSE Mid West is currently managing and investigating an outbreak of measles, involving 16 cases to date, the largest outbreak in the region since 2018.
The MMR vaccine is the only protection against measles, and just two doses of in a lifetime are needed to give full protection.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed.
The campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past, including children, young adults, and health and care workers.
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 eligible people.
A list of all vaccination clinics is available on hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/vaccination-clinics, while further information on measles symptoms can be found on hse.ie/conditions/mmr-vaccine.
