By Tara McCormack
The HSE and the Department of Public Health have expressed significant concern regarding the recent surge in measles cases.
Over the past four weeks, an alarming number of new cases have been reported, particularly in the North Donegal area.
Public Health Consultant, Dr. Anthony Breslin, highlighted the troubling situation, noting that the overall MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine uptake in Donegal currently stands at 83%.
However, this figure falls short of the 90% coverage needed to ensure full protection of the population and to prevent the spread of the virus.
Speaking to Highland Radio, Dr. Breslin emphasised the importance of vaccination, stating: “We have had a number of cases of measles, particularly in North Donegal, over the last five to six weeks, and we’re concerned about that.
“A lot of those cases were among people who were not vaccinated, so it just shows you that the vaccine does protect people.”
He added: “If you don’t have the vaccine, you can pick up the infection and can get ill, and we don’t want that to happen, particularly with schools coming back.”
In response to this growing public health issue, the HSE is urging individuals who have not yet received the MMR vaccine to take immediate action.
To facilitate vaccination efforts, special community clinics are being organised, including one at the Vestry in Letterkenny.
Residents who have not yet been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to visit their GP or attend these clinics.
The HSE warns that without vaccination, the risk of contracting and spreading the disease increases significantly.
The only reliable protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which requires two doses to provide full immunity.
The HSE has launched an MMR vaccine catch-up programme across Donegal, aimed at increasing vaccination rates and curbing the spread of the disease.
MMR vaccines are available free of charge from GPs for individuals under 18 years of age and from HSE community clinics for eligible people. The HSE has made it easy to access these services, with walk-in clinics and the option to book an appointment online.
For more information on vaccination clinics, visit HSE MMR Vaccination Clinics.
Sign up for our newsletter for more updates here
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)