Measles cases rise after vaccination rates fall

PARENTS were warned yesterday of an outbreak of measles in Cork and Kerry, if they don’t vaccinate their children against this potentially fatal disease.

So far this year, there have been seven confirmed cases in the Southern Health Board region, six in Cork and one in Kerry. There was none last year.

SHB public health specialists voiced concern about a disappointing uptake of the free Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. One in five children under two has not been given it.

Public health specialist Dr Fiona Ryan said the increase illustrated the seriousness of falling vaccination rates. Measles is highly infectious and could spread very quickly.

“I would strongly urge parents to have their children vaccinated,” she said.

The vaccine is available free of charge from GPs. Children should receive it at 15 months and again at four to five years.

Both nationally and in the SHB area, the vaccination uptake levels continue to fall well below the 95% target considered necessary to prevent outbreaks.

Currently, the SHB uptake at 24 months is 82%.

Experts believe ongoing media coverage regarding alleged links between the MMR vaccine and autism/Crohn’s Disease have led to many parents being reluctant to take up the offer of free vaccines.

However, the SHB said all scientific evidence points to there being no link between the MMR vaccine and Crohn’s or autism. Dr Ryan said health professionals had a duty to help parents make a very difficult decision. She added that many GP are parents and understood the concerns.