Public urged to avail of free walk-in MMR clinics amid Mid West measles warning

HSE Mid West is urging members of the public to avail of free walk-in MMR vaccine clinics in Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary, following an increase in measles cases in Ireland, UK, and Europe in recent weeks.

As part of the HSE’s national MMR vaccine campaign, over the coming days and weeks, there will be free vaccine clinics in Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary (see full details below). You can book an appointment or you can just walk in if you wish.

The MMR vaccine is safe, and effective at preventing measles infection and serious illness.

Measles is highly infectious and can be a serious infection. 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 best protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed and if a child or adult is not fully protected then MMR vaccines can be obtained from your GP or a 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
• Healthcare workers.

Dr Breda Cosgrove, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Public Health HSE Mid West, said: “Measles is highly contagious and spreads really easily. It can cause serious illness especially in young children, and about 1 in 5 people who get measles will be admitted to hospital.

“We are seeing a rise in measles cases in Ireland, and there are large outbreaks in the UK, Europe and further afield so we’re concerned that we may see measles cases in the Mid-West region in the coming weeks and months. That’s why we are offering free MMR vaccines to anyone who has missed out so they can catch up and make sure they are immune to measles.”

Dr Siobhán Neville, Consultant General Paediatrician at University Hospital Limerick, and Associate Professsor of Paediatrics, University of Limerick, said: "We are encouraging parents and caregivers to double-check their children's vaccination status, and arrange catch-up if required. As cases have been so rare in recent years, it's easy to forget that measles can be an extremely serious illness, particularly for younger children and those who are immunocompromised. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect your child and those around them."

Dr Patrick O’Donnell, GP with HSE Social Inclusion CHO3 & Associate Professor of General Practice at University of Limerick: “The MMR vaccine is free, safe and very effective at preventing infection with measles and the possibility of very serious illness as a result. This can include pneumonia, seizures and brain inflammation or death. The virus is very easy to transmit, so the best defence is to protect yourself and your kids with the vaccine.”

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 who is aged 5 years and over. A list of Vaccination Clinics is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/vaccination-clinics.

Book an appointment

Some walk-in appointments are also available.

Additionally, the HSE will also provide targeted clinics for specific groups including students and young people in education settings, underserved groups including refugees, applicants seeking protection and other minority groups.

Monitor for Symptoms

Stay vigilant for symptoms of measles. These include:

• high fever
• cough
• runny nose
• characteristic red rash.

If you or a family member develop these symptoms, or have been in contact with someone with measles, stay at home and contact your doctor by phone for advice, and inform healthcare providers of any recent travel history.

• If you think someone in your family has measles, phone your doctor immediately for advice. Keep the child or adult at home and refrain from visitors coming to your home unless they know they are protected against measles (they have had two doses of MMR vaccine).

MMR vaccination clinics (walk-in and scheduled)

This media release was originally published on March 26. The vaccination clinic times were updated on April 2.