Measles outbreak in England and Wales - update 25/03/2013
Health authorities in England and Wales are doing a MMR catch-up campaign to control measles. More than 500 cases of confirmed measles cases were notified in England during the first 3 months of 2013 and more than 1000 cases have been reported in Wales since November 2012.
Due to the frequent travel between Ireland and the UK there is a risk that Irish residents may be exposed to measles in the UK or if people with measles come to Ireland from the UK.
Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccination. All parents of children and teenagers should ensure that their children are protected by getting the vaccine.
Please click on the following links for more information on the English and Welsh outbreaks.
Please click here to link to the National Immunisation Office.
Recommendations
- All Irish children and adolescents should be up to date with their MMR vaccinations. Check your child’s immunisation records to find out how many doses he/she received.
- Children should normally get MMR vaccine as follows:
- 1st dose MMR vaccine at 12 months (from your GP)
- 2nd dose MMR vaccine at 4-5 years of age (from HSE school immunisation team or from GP in some areas).
- HSE is currently completing an MMR catch-up campaign in the second level schools. Click here for more information on MMR school catch-up programme
- If travelling to measles outbreak areas ensure that your children are appropriately vaccinated with MMR vaccine before travel.