Heading to the slopes this Winter? Protect yourself against measles
Check your MMR vaccination status and speak to your GP before travelling
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place February 6-22, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 6-15, in northern Italy. Due to ongoing cases and recent outbreaks of measles in Europe, including at ski resorts, the HSE is urging everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles and to make sure that they are up to date with their MMR vaccines.
Latest data from Quarter 2, 2025 show that MMR uptake among children aged 24 months is 87.6%, which remains below the WHO target of 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
As measles is one of the most infectious diseases, case numbers can increase quickly when vaccination coverage falls below this protective threshold. Maintaining high uptake is essential to safeguarding population health.
What is measles?
Measles is a viral infection which can result in serious complications. It is highly infectious and can spread easily. The signs and symptoms of measles are described at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/
If you think someone in your family has measles or has been in contact with measles, phone your doctor for advice. Keep the child or adult at home and avoid having visitors to your home unless they know they are protected against measles (they have had two doses of MMR vaccine).
What is the best protection against measles?
The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles and to prevent the spread of measles in Ireland is to ensure you and your family members are vaccinated against measles.
MMR vaccine is offered to all children in Ireland as part of the Primary Childhood and Schools Immunisation Programmes. Children are offered two doses of MMR vaccine at 12 months of age (MMR1) and in junior infants in primary school (MMR2).
If you think you or your child are not up to date with MMR vaccines, vaccination can be arranged with your GP. MMR vaccine is available free of charge for individuals 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 you receive this MMR vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.
Further information about the MMR vaccination is available at www.hse.ie
Note:
If you live in Sligo, Leitrim or Donegal, MMR2 dose is given to children when they are aged 4-5 years by the GP.