Measles Update

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis) and death.

Ireland has seen an increase in the number of people contracting measles in 2023 and 2024.  The incidence of measles in Europe is reported as being 45 times higher than 2022. 

The World Health Organisation estimates that 95% of a population must have had the MMR vaccine to achieve and maintain herd immunity. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has recently reported that vaccination rates in Ireland for the first dose of the MMR vaccine have fallen to 89.2%.
Cases of the highly infectious disease have been increasing in recent years across most regions in the world largely due to missed vaccinations during the Covid-19 years, when health systems fell behind on routine jabs for preventable diseases.

Global vaccination coverage for measles currently stands at 83 per cent, which falls short of the 95 per cent needed to eradicate the disease.

Our healthcare professionals are alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, particularly those who were overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period.
Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of measles. Two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection and the vaccine is free for all in Ireland.

To find out more visit https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vaccinepreventable/measles/ or if you would like a vaccine, email or call your today.