Measles catch-up vaccine available in the South East as cases rise in UK and parts of Europe

The MMR catch-up campaign has been created due to recent reports of a rise in measles cases in certain regions of the UK and other parts of Europe.

As result, people are being advised to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Measles is most common in children but can affect anyone. It is easily spread when a person breathes, coughs of sneezes and can cause serious disease, complications and even death.

Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body.

The campaign is focusing on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past. These key groups include children, young adults and health care workers.

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 following clinics are taking place across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary and Wexford:

Carlow

A vaccination clinic is being held in Carlow on Thursday March 28 from 10am to 3pm at the Carlow Vaccination Centre in the grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital, Athy Road, Carlow Town, R93 X7TV.

Wexford

A vaccination clinic in Wexford will also be held on Thursday March 28, but from 10am until 2pm in Grogans Road Primary Care Centre in Wexford Town, Wexford, Y35 DA39

Kilkenny

On Friday March 29 from 10am to 3pm, a vaccination clinic will be held on the grounds of Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital Kilcreene, Kilkenny City, R95 DK07.

South Tipperary

A vaccination clinic will be held in South Tipperary Vaccination Centre on the grounds of St. Luke’s Hospital, Conmel, E91 PR83 on Friday March 29 from 12pm to 4pm.

Some walk-in appointments available but to ensure there is a slot you can book an appointment online on the HSE website.

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.