The HSE has announced details of an MMR catch-up campaign to protect against measles due to a rise in cases of the disease in the UK and Europe.
A Measles Vaccination Clinic will be held in Castlerea Health Centre, Knockroe, Castlerea, County Roscommon, F45 NX00 this Saturday 23rd March from 10am – 4pm with appointments necessary here
Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE National Immunisation Office, explained: “Measles is highly infectious and can be an acute and serious infection. It causes a rash illness, with cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and high fever. Complications of measles include ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures and less commonly encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death.
“The only protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed and if a child or young adult is not fully protected then MMR vaccines can be obtained from your GP or HSE Vaccination Clinic.”
The campaign focus is on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past:
- Children
- Young adults
- Health and care workers.
How to get your vaccine
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. A list of Vaccination Clinics is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/vaccination-clinics.
To book an appointment, visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/book-an-appointment.
Some walk-in appointments are also available.
Additionally, the HSE will also provide targeted clinics for specific groups including students and young people in education settings, underserved groups including refugees, applicants seeking protection and other minority groups.
About measles
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed.
Signs and symptoms of measles
The symptoms of measles include: Cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough – Sore red eyes that may be sensitive to light. A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above, which may reach around 40 degrees Celsius. Small greyish-white spots in your mouth – Loss of appetite – Tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy. Rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body. Further information about measles symptoms is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/mmr-vaccine.
If you have these symptoms, please seek medical advice. Phone ahead prior to attending your GP, Emergency Department or other healthcare provider to inform the healthcare professionals that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements. In addition, please alert medical staff if you have been in contact with someone who has measles or if you have recently travelled to an area where you know measles has been spreading.
