Measles: Travelling abroad? Protect yourself with MMR vaccination
Measles cases and outbreaks have been reported in many European countries, including popular summer holiday destinations, as well as further afield (USA, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines).
The HSE is concerned that measles outbreaks may occur in Ireland this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where measles cases have been reported.
Advice for people travelling abroad this summer
The best way to protect you and your family against measles is to ensure all family members are up to date with the recommended doses of MMR vaccine before travelling abroad.
MMR vaccine is available free of charge at your GP for individuals born on or after January 1st 1978 who are not age-appropriately vaccinated.
In addition, infants aged 6 months to under 12 months are eligible to receive an MMR vaccine, free of charge at their GP, prior to travel abroad.
It is recommended that individuals receive MMR vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.
Background
Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among individuals who are unvaccinated.
Measles cases continue to be reported in most European countries, with large outbreaks reported in some countries in 2025. In the latest measles report from ECDC the highest number of cases were reported in:
- France
- Spain
- Romania
- Netherlands
- Belgium
Large numbers of cases have also been reported in the USA, Canada and some countries in Asia – including Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Recommendation - get the MMR vaccine if in doubt
The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is to ensure you and your family members are age-appropriately vaccinated with MMR vaccine. HSE recommends that all people who are eligible for MMR vaccination should be vaccinated, regardless of whether planning on travel abroad or not.
If you or your child are not age-appropriately vaccinated with MMR vaccines, vaccination can be arranged with your GP. MMR vaccine is available free of charge for individuals born on or after January 1st 1978 who are not age-appropriately vaccinated. In addition, infants aged 6 months to <12 months are eligible to receive an MMR vaccine, free of charge at their GP, prior to travel abroad. It is recommended that individuals receive MMR vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.
Further information about measles is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles
Further information about MMR vaccine is available at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/pcischedule/vpds/mmr/
Note:
Children receive the MMR vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccines at 12 months of age from their GP. They get a second dose in junior infants in school through HSE school vaccination teams (If you live in Sligo, Leitrim or Donegal, the 2nd MMR vaccine dose is given to children when they are aged 4-5 years by the GP.) It is important that children are up to date with their vaccines.