Ireland health officials are advising the public to get vaccinated with two doses of a Measles-containing vaccine to protect themselves and their families before the holiday season because of an on-going Measles outbreak Europe.

Image/James Gathany-CDC
Image/James Gathany-CDC

There is an ongoing outbreak of measles throughout Europe including the United Kingdom where thousands of cases and dozens of deaths have been reported. Ireland has also seen an increase in the number of people infected with Measles in 2018.

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The Health Service Executive (HSE) says it is important to remember that young children are not the only ones at risk from Measles. Older children and young adults who have not been fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR are also at risk and many of the cases in Europe have been in teenagers who were not fully vaccinated.

Measles remains a very serious disease and Measles related deaths and hospitalizations due to complications of Measles are occurring today, even in developed European countries.

The MMR vaccine is very safe and protective against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The MMR is available from your GP and is usually given at 12 months of age and a booster dose is given aged 4-5 years before starting primary school.  It is never too late to catch up. Anyone with queries should contact their GP or Practice Nurse who can advise them further.

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