The HSE has issued a strong advisory emphasising that the MMR vaccine remains the only reliable protection against measles.
Given the highly infectious nature of the disease, they are urging all eligible individuals to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine to achieve full immunity.
The HSE’s current MMR vaccine catch-up programme is operational in community vaccination clinics across Donegal, aimed at closing the immunity gap among those who may have missed their vaccinations in the past.
Measles is not just a mild childhood illness; it can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children under one year of age, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
With a recent rise in measles cases across the UK and Europe, the HSE’s catch-up campaign is a timely initiative to curb the spread of this preventable disease.
The campaign primarily targets:
- Children who may have missed their vaccinations.
- Young adults who did not receive the vaccine during childhood.
- Health and care workers, who are at increased risk of exposure.
Individuals born in Ireland from January 1, 1978, who lack evidence of two MMR vaccinations, or those born outside of Ireland without proof of vaccination at any age, are encouraged to participate in this programme.
For parents planning to travel outside Ireland with infants aged between 6 and 11 months, the HSE now offers the MMR vaccine earlier than the usual schedule. These infants should still follow the standard vaccination schedule, receiving their second dose at 12 months and the final dose in junior infants.
The MMR vaccine is available free of charge from GPs, particularly for individuals under 18 years of age, and through HSE community clinics for eligible groups. Walk-in clinics and appointments are available, ensuring easy access for those in need of vaccination.
For those seeking vaccination, a list of upcoming clinics in Donegal is provided below:
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 22nd August 2024 | The Vestry, St Conal’s Campus, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 TD92 | 12pm to 2pm |
| 27th August 2024 | Donegal Town Primary Care Centre, Donegal, F94 PD8W | 2pm to 4pm |
Further information, including a list of vaccination clinics, can be found on the HSE website 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)