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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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The only protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed
A HSE measles MMR vaccine catch-up programme, with vaccines available from GPs and vaccination clinics, is under way - and a specific Kilkenny event takes place in the coming days.
The HSE MMR catch-up campaign to protect against measles due to recent reports of a rise in measles cases in certain regions of the UK and other parts of Europe is continuing, as people are advised to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.
“Measles is highly infectious and can be an acute and serious infection," said Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE National Immunisation Office.
"It causes a rash illness, with cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and high fever. Complications of measles include ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures and less commonly encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death.
“The only protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed and if a child or young adult is not fully protected then MMR vaccines can be obtained from your GP or HSE vaccination clinic.”
The campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past:
• Children
• Young adults
• Health and care workers.
How to get your vaccine:
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 everyone eligible for children age five years and older, healthcare workers, people born in Ireland on or after January 1, 1978, and people born outside of Ireland and at risk of measles infection.
A list of vaccination clinics is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/
The following clinics (from week beginning March 25) are taking place across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. Kilkenny's takes place on Friday, March 29 from 10am to 3pm in the grounds of Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene, Kilkenny City, R95 DK07.
To book an appointment, visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/
Some walk-in appointments are also available.
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