Measles vaccination clinic will be held in Tipperary on Good Friday

The HSE MMR catch-up campaign 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 is continuing, as people are advised to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.

A clinic will be held at the South Tipperary Vaccination Centre in the grounds of St Luke's Hospital, Clonmel, E91 PR83 from 12-4pm on Good Friday, March 29.

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 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.