MMR Catch Up Vaccination Programme 2024

Due to a rise in measles internationally, the HSE has recommended a catch-up vaccination programme to protect vulnerable individuals. Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under the age of 12 months, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed. For more information on measles see here.

Update June 2024: If you are planning to travel abroad and your child is aged 6-11 months, the HSE has now recommended that your child receive a dose of MMR prior to travel. They should still receive their full course of 2 further doses at 12 months and aged 4-5 years.

The MMR catch-up vaccination is for children and adults who are not age-appropriately vaccinated with MMR vaccine:

People are considered immune if they have had 2 doses of MMR vaccine (usually age 1 and age 4/5years). Immunity to measles is lowest in young people under the age of 25 years, so the target groups include younger people. It is estimated that at least ninety percent of people born in Ireland before 1978 are likely to have had measles infection and are thus immune to measles. Where there is uncertainty about measles status, the MMR vaccine should be offered on request to individuals born in Ireland before 1978 particularly if they are considered at high risk of exposure or disease.

If you are unsure about you or your child’s MMR vaccine status, you may be able to get more information from your local Primary Health Office.

If you remain uncertain as to whether 2 vaccines were given already, the HSE and NIAC have recommended that a catch-up MMR can still be given, as MMR vaccine can be safely given to those who are immune (ie it is not harmful to have an extra dose). MMR is not recommended in pregnancy as it a live vaccine.

To book an MMR vaccine free of charge, phone reception or email info@tullyfamilypractice.ie