MMR vaccination clinics in Cork in bid to stop measles outbreak

A further three cases have been identified, with five more under investigation

The free walk-in clinics for MMR vaccinations are open to children aged five and over, healthcare workers, people born in Ireland on or after January 1978, and people born outside of Ireland who may also have missed out on vaccination.

The HSE will run free walk-in clinics for MMR vaccinations in Cork next week, from March 25 to March 29, as part of efforts to prevent a possible measles outbreak here as has happened in Britain.

A further three cases were identified in Ireland with five more under investigation, the latest data shows. This brings the confirmed number to five so far this year, including one person who died.

The clinics are open to children aged five and over, healthcare workers, people born in Ireland on or after January 1978, and people born outside of Ireland who may also have missed out on vaccination.

Catch-up MMR vaccines for children are also available through GPs; parents can contact their family doctor to see if they are offering this.

Students at a range of third-level institutions can also get a free MMR vaccine through clinics running on campuses around the country.

The regular children’s vaccination programme also continues so anyone who is in that process does not need to apply for these new clinics.

Michael Hanrahan, specialist registrar in public health medicine, warned measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness.

“Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling, which can be life-threatening or cause life-long disabilities,” said Dr Hanrahan.

“The free walk-in MMR vaccine clinics offer a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community from measles. 

Don't wait — make sure you are vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from measles."

Measles data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows 11 confirmed or possible cases identified in the first 11 weeks of this year compared to none during the same time last year.

The HSE said people born in Ireland before 1978 were likely exposed to measles as children and are therefore unlikely to require vaccination now.

MMR clinics

The walk-in MMR clinics for Cork next week are:

• Carrigtwohill Primary Care Centre, Castle Square, Carrigtwohill, Cork, T45 DT93. Monday, March 25, 10am-4pm;
• Mallow Primary Care Centre, Goulds Hill, Mallow, Co Cork, P51 Y8EC. Tuesday, March 26, 10am-4pm;
• Dunmanway Famine Room, Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway, Co Cork, P47 WN27. Tuesday, March 26, 9.30am-12pm; 
• Clonakilty Primary Care Centre, Youghals, Clonakilty, Co Cork, PR85 XW86. Tuesday, March 26, 1.30pm-4pm; 
• Ballincollig Primary Care Centre, Old Fort Rd, Ballincollig, Cork, P31 XN96. Wednesday, March 27, 10am-4pm; 
• Nemo Rangers GAA Club, Mount Vernon Cresent, Ballinlough, Cork, T12 R2PC. Friday, March 29, 10am-3pm; 
• Bantry Vaccination Centre, Newtown, Bantry, Co Cork, P75 H304. Friday, March 29, 9am-2pm. 

Appointments for these and other clinics in Munster can be booked on the HSE website.