Easter weekend and early next week will see a number of free Measles, Rubella, and Pertussis (MMR) vaccination clinics open to the public throughout the South East.
In response to the growing number of measles cases, the Health Service Executive (HSE) initiated the MMR vaccine catch-up programme. Clinics are being held in the counties of Carlow and Kilkenny
“Measles poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children under 12 months, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Despite prior efforts, MMR vaccination rates remain below the recommended 95% set by the World Health Organisation.” says Kate Cassidy (General Manager for Vaccinations in HSE/South East Community Healthcare)
Measles are on the rise in Europe alone, more cases of the disease have been reported this year than there were in all of 2022. The first measles outbreak in Ireland since 2019 was documented by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in August 2023.
You can check details below
