Parents urged to have young babies vaccinated against measles before going on holidays abroad

Measles is spreading fast in Europe now, expert warns.

Parents of babies have been urged to get the MMR vaccine against measles before going on holidays as the disease continues to spread across Europe and the UK.

The Irish College of GPs has said the vaccine should be given two weeks before travelling to make sure babies from aged six to 11 months are protected.

“Measles is spreading fast in Europe right now,” Dr Scott Walkin, clinical lead for infection control with the college warned.

Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent cases of measles. It is a highly contagious disease. It is easily passed from person to person, where large numbers of people congregate, including airports, buses, trains, and ferries.

The people most at risk are babies and anyone not fully vaccinated.

“Young babies are at particular risk of complications,” he said, adding overseas travel could mean “a high risk” of measles for unvaccinated children.

“It can be a severe illness which requires hospitalisation in about one in five cases. Vaccination is safe, effective and it’s essential for community immunity,” he said.

The jabs are free through GP practices for eligible families. 

Adults travelling with young babies should also check their own vaccines. 

“If in doubt, it is safe to give an additional MMR vaccine,” he said.

Measles also continues to spread in Ireland, although seemingly at a slower rate than first feared.

On Thursday, new data showed 53 cases have now been identified including six across Cork and Kerry. Another 16 cases are under investigation as probable and possible cases of measles.

The 53 cases are linked to seven outbreaks homes and schools, with between two and seven cases coming from each.

Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has issued public health guidelines to keep people safe during big events coming up including the Uefa European Championship and the Paris Olympics.

They advised information on “hygiene, recommended immunisations, safe sex practices, and how and where to seek medical help” should be shared by public health bodies with people travelling this summer.

More measles advice from your local GP or HSE Live at 1800 700 700.