Ireland is currently experiencing a measles outbreak.

Measles is highly infectious that can cause severe illness and occasionally cause death. An outbreak in 2000 resulted in more than 1600 cases and three deaths.

Vaccination with MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine is the only way to protect against measles; the first MMR dose should be given at 12 months of age, and the second dose at 4-5 years of age (either by school vaccination teams or by GP). Anyone who is not sure about their vaccination status should get another dose, which will not do them any harm, and will protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

Further information is available on the HPSC (Health Protection Surveillence Centre) website 

News section http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/News/MainBody,4077,en.html (external link)

Publication section http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/VaccinePreventable/Measles/Publications/ (external link)

A leaflet titled - Measles - Information leaflet for the traveller community can be downloaded here. You can also access the local health office numbers here if you have any queries about MMR vaccine.

MMR Information Leaflet can be downloaded here or click here to go to the translation section for this leaflet.