The HSE is urging parents to make sure children and young people are up to date with their MMR vaccine due to a rise in cases in parts of the UK and Europe.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.  We advise people to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Measles can be unpleasant and is a potentially serious and highly infectious disease that can spread easily through respiratory droplets. To safeguard our communities, the HSE recommends that people make sure they are up to date with MMR vaccine to prevent spread of the disease if cases occur in Ireland.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the National Immunisation Office, HSE said: “The importance of taking precautions to protect both the individual and the community from measles cannot be understated. While measles is preventable through vaccination, the virus spreads very quickly between people who are not vaccinated and can have severe consequences, particularly for babies and vulnerable groups.

“Getting vaccinated against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella is vitally important as these conditions can also lead to other serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Remember, if you or your child has missed their childhood vaccines, it’s not too late to catch up.”