Parents urged to vaccinate children against measles

THE Health Service Executive has strongly advised parents to ensure their children have two doses of MMR vaccine, as cases of measles begin to rise in Ireland and across Europe.

The MMR vaccine is the only protection available from measles, which can be a very serious and sometimes fatal illness.

Dr Margaret Fitzgerald, HSE director of public health, said: “We have seen a rapid increase in the numbers of measles cases recently, most of them centred in north Dublin city. Measles is a serious illness, and MMR vaccine is the only protection against it. In 2000, a serious outbreak in Dublin saw cases rise as high as 1,600, and claimed the lives of three young children. Measles spreads very easily, particularly in homes, creches, playgroups, camps, schools and universities,” Dr Fitzgerald added.

There have been 135 cases of measles in Ireland since the start of 2011, with over 70% in north Dublin city.

“MMR vaccine is the only protection against measles — we urge parents to make sure their children are fully protected by having the complete course of two MMR vaccinations,” said Dr Fitzgerald.

“In Ireland, the first MMR dose is given at 12 months and the second dose at 4-5 years of age. At the moment, only 90% of children in Ireland have received one dose of MMR by 24 months of age, which is below the target of 95% to prevent cases of measles and measles outbreaks.”

If a parent is unsure whether their child has had the two vaccine doses they should consult their GP. The MMR vaccine is free.