Public Health HSE Mid West is calling on young Clare people, as well as people from Limerick and North Tipperary to know their MMR status and to ask their parents or check with their GPs, or their Local Immunisation Office if they have missed out on their MMR vaccines as children.
The HSE Mid West vaccination team have been providing free, walk-in (no appointment) MMR vaccine clinics at higher education campuses this month.
Following widespread measles outbreaks across Ireland, the UK, and Europe this year, the Mid West has experienced its highest number of measles cases since 2018, with a recent outbreak in Clare, linked to other areas, involving up to 16 cases – the largest among recent outbreaks.
Across Ireland young adults aged between 15 and 24 years of age account for a significant proportion of confirmed measles cases. For young people who have not received their MMR vaccines – dose one at 12 months, dose two in junior infants – they are vulnerable to measles infection which can cause serious illness.
Rare complications of measles infection can include liver inflammation, eye disorders and vision loss, meningitis, brain infection, and heart and nervous system problems. Common complications include diarrhoea and vomiting, middle ear infection, conjunctivitis, laryngitis, and fits caused by fever.
Our campus clinics marks the end of the current catch-up MMR vaccine campaign, so we are encouraging all students to avail of this free programme. Our clinic at TUS will be open to the public in surrounding communities.
MMR vaccination uptake remains around 91% in the Mid West region, below the WHO recommended target of 95%.
Dr Kenneth Beatty, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Public Health HSE Mid West, said that while many people are fully vaccinated against measles, a small number of young people, particularly among those attending college—may not have had one or both vaccines.
“We are concerned about the increased number of measles outbreaks across the Mid West and Ireland, which is why we want young people to make sure that they have their two doses of MMR vaccines,” he said.
“It is possible that a number of young people may not be fully vaccinated, partly due to a period of misinformation and disinformation in the late 1990s and early 2000s around MMR vaccination. Our HSE clinics will include information stands on the day, and we are encouraging all students to speak with our team about the importance of vaccination.”
Those eligible are those born in Ireland from January 1, 1978 and do not have evidence of two MMR vaccines or if born outside of Ireland and do not have evidence of two MMR vaccines at any age.
If you are planning a holiday outside Ireland, you can now get your baby vaccinated before you go. They must be between 6 and 11 months. They should then get their next dose as normal at 12 months and the final dose in junior infants.
MMR vaccines are available free of charge from GPs to all groups, but primarily to those under 18 years, and from HSE community clinics for eligible people.
Further information about measles symptoms is available Here
A number of local clinics are being offered at the Shannon College of Hotel Management on September 24, from 12noon to 4pm, at TUS (Moylish) on September 25, from 10am to 3pm, in Mary Immaculate College on September 26 from 10am to 3pm and at the University of Limerick on September 27 from 9am to 3.30pm.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.