HSE is running three MMR vaccine catch-up clinics in south Tipperary this week

HSE rolls out measles MMR vaccine catch up programme in the South East - Vaccines available from GPs and Vaccination Clinics

The HSE is running three MMR vaccine catch up clinics in south Tipperary today (Thursday, March 21) and tomorrow (Friday, March 22 for those who have missed their vaccinations in the wake of a rise in measles cases in parts of Europe. 

A pop-up vaccination clinic is taking place at the Tipperary Town Primary Care Centre at Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town (E34 K682) today from 12pm to 4pm. 

Similar clinics will be run at Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel, Lower Green, Cashel (E25 AN88) and at South Tipperary Vaccination Centre on the grounds of St Luke's Hospital, Clonmel (E91 PR83) tomorrow from 12noon to 4pm.                                                                                

The HSE's MMR catch-up campaign is being rolled out 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.

This has prompted to HSE to advise people to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE National Immunisation Office, explained: “Measles is highly infectious and can be an acute and 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 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 5 years and older, healthcare workers, people born in Ireland on or after 1 January 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/mmr-

vaccine/vaccination-clinics.

To book an appointment, visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/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.