Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine catch-up campaign
Please see below letter from the Public Health Agency NI
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Dear Parent/Guardian,
You may have heard about an increase in the number of measles cases in the UK and
other countries across Europe. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. It can be
unpleasant and sometimes leads to serious complications. This letter is to advise you
how to protect your child and others.
Measles can cause very serious illness
Measles usually causes a runny nose, red eyes, cough, high temperature and rash. It
can also cause complications including ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and
convulsions. It is more likely to be serious in pregnant women, people whose immunity
is not working properly and babies under a year of age. Very serious complications,
such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and subacute sclerosing
panencephalitis (SSPE) are rare, but can be fatal. Further details can be found at
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/measles.
Measles spreads very easily
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known. You can catch measles if you
spend 15 minutes in the same room with someone who has the disease, or even less
time if you are in direct contact. The measles virus is spread through the air and in tiny
droplets that come out of the nose and mouth of an infected person. Anyone can get
measles if they haven’t been vaccinated or they haven’t had it before.
MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles, mumps and
rubella and has been shown across the world to be a safe and effective way of
preventing measles. It can protect your child and others against measles infection and
the potential serious consequences. The vaccine is free and is part of the routine
childhood immunisation schedule in Northern Ireland. Two doses of MMR vaccine
offer the best way to protect your child against measles, mumps and rubella.
What you need to do next?
In light of the continuing measles activity in UK and Europe, we strongly recommend
that you check that your child is fully up to date with their MMR vaccinations. Check
your child’s red book and get in touch with your GP practice if you are not sure. The
first dose is usually offered when a child is one year old and the second when they are
3 years and 4 months old.
Northern Ireland MMR catch-up campaign
If your child is not up to date on their vaccines you can book an appointment to get the
vaccine through the Northern Ireland MMR catch-up campaign which is running until
31st March 2024. Children between 12 months and 5 years of age can get the vaccine
through their GP practice and those aged 6 years to 25 years of age can attend an
HSC Trust vaccination clinic.
Further information can be found on NI Direct. For your local arrangements on how to
book an appointment in your Health and Social Care Trust please visit
www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr-catch-up.
A child aged 16 and under will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on
the day.
For more information on measles, please visit
www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr or download the Public Health Agency leaflet on MMR vaccination from link below.
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/measles-mumps-rubella-mmr-vaccination-leaflet
For any queries contact the PHA MMR catch-up dedicated phone line service 02895 368 300.
Yours faithfully,
Louise Flanagan
Consultant in Public Health
Public Health Agency