Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE has verified a fifth case of measles, reports RTE.
The health officials have not released any more information.
Given the increase in cases in the UK and Europe, the Health Service Executive is scheduled to commence next week with a 300,000-person measles catch-up vaccination scheme.
As part of its childhood vaccination plan, the HSE said it is crucial to remember that all children, including those who are 12 months old and four to five years old in Junior Infants, are currently eligible to get the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, reports RTE.
For people who may have missed their childhood vaccine, participating general practitioners provide a free catch-up MMR option.
According to Kingston Mills, a professor of experimental immunology, the MMR vaccination has a 97% success rate, making it one of the most effective immunisations, reports RTE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, Prof. Mill stated that while the MMR vaccination is presently being received by slightly under 90% of individuals in Ireland, those who have had the measles but have not received the vaccine are still immune.
Those who are “vulnerable”—having not had a vaccination—are more likely to contract the measles if they come into touch with an infected person.
According to him, persons with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants under the age of one are the most vulnerable, reports RTE.
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