Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has announced funding for a comprehensive MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) catch-up vaccination programme.
This initiative comes in response to a concerning uptick in measles cases across the UK and Europe. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been tasked with outlining the program's details and ensuring its effective rollout.
The primary focus of the vaccination campaign will be on reaching key demographic groups who may not have received the MMR vaccine.
This includes children, young adults, healthcare workers, and vulnerable populations such as refugees, asylum seekers, and the homeless community.
Both General Practitioners (GPs) and specialised HSE vaccination teams will be responsible for administering the vaccinations.
This newly announced programme builds upon the foundation laid by the HSE's existing MMR catch-up initiative, which commenced in November 2023.
The initial program targeted children aged between 14 months and 10 years who may have missed their routine vaccinations.
While this effort remains ongoing, the expanded catch-up programme seeks to broaden its reach to encompass a wider number of vulnerable people.
Minister Donnelly emphasised the importance of proactive vaccination, and said: "I would encourage all those eligible for MMR vaccination to come forward and avail themselves of the opportunity to be protected.
“With measles cases surging internationally and the risk of transmission heightened in Ireland, safeguarding ourselves and our communities against this highly contagious disease is paramount."
Echoing the minister's sentiments, Chief Medical Officer, Professor Breda Smyth, underscored the severity of measles and the critical role vaccination plays in preventing its spread.
"Measles is a highly infectious disease with potentially severe complications, particularly among vulnerable demographics. The only effective defense against measles is vaccination.
“With MMR uptake in Ireland currently below optimal levels, it is imperative that all eligible individuals seize this opportunity to protect themselves and others."
Complications associated with measles can range from mild to severe, including ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures, and, in extreme cases, encephalitis or death.
By bolstering vaccination efforts, the government aims to fortify the collective immunity of the population to mitigate the risks posed by measles outbreaks.
If you’re looking for additional information on MMR vaccination, resources are available through the HSE website.
