MMR Vaccines available at Leitrim and Sligo vaccination centres
MMR vaccines are available free of charge
The HSE MMR vaccine catch up programme is now running in community vaccination clinics in Sligo and Leitrim.
The MMR catch-up campaign aims to protect against measles due to a rise in cases of the disease in the UK and Europe.
The campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past, these include children, young adults and health and care workers.
The HSE has advised that the MMR Vaccine is the only protection against measles, with two doses required to guarantee full protection.
You can avail of the MMR vaccine at Leitrim Vaccination Centre on Leitrim Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, N41 XC59.
A walk-in clinic will also be held on August 16 in Sligo, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Clarion Road, Sligo Town, F91 CD34.
You can book an appointment either by visiting https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/book-an-appointment
A list of vaccination clinics is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/vaccination-clinics
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 eligible people.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed.
Those eligible are people born in Ireland from January 1, 1978, without proof of two MMR vaccines, or anyone born outside Ireland without proof of two MMR vaccines.
If you are planning a holiday outside Ireland, you can now get your baby vaccinated before you go. They must be between 6 and 11 months. They should then get their next dose as normal at 12 months and the final dose in junior infants.
Further information about measles symptoms is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/mmr-vaccine.
The HSE advises that individuals with these symptoms should seek medical advice. They should call ahead before visiting their GP, Emergency Department, or other healthcare provider to inform them about their symptoms.
The HSE also requests that people inform medical staff if they have been in contact with someone with measles or have recently travelled to an area where measles is spreading.