Kilkenny parents urged to vaccinate children against measles

The HSE is urging parents in Kilkenny and across the country to make sure children and young people are up to date with their MMR vaccine due to a rise in cases in parts of the UK and Europe.

Nationally, uptake has declined to below 90% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella and members of the public are being advised to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.

The HSE are urging people to check their vaccination status, practice good hygiene and monitor for systems such has high fever, a cough, runny nose or a red rash. 

Dr Carmel Mullaney, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Area Director of the Department of Public Health HSE Dublin and South East, said: "The importance of taking precautions to protect both the individual and the community from measles cannot be understated. While measles is preventable through vaccination, the virus spreads very quickly between people who are not vaccinated and can have severe consequences, particularly for babies and vulnerable groups.

"Getting vaccinated against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella is vitally important as these conditions can also lead to other serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Remember, if you or your child has missed their childhood vaccines, it’s not too late to catch up," she commented.