A VACCINATION PROGRAMME for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) will be rolled out in schools in Dublin’s north inner city this month in response to a recent measles outbreak.

Health professionals are concerned by the rise in measles cases ahead of children returning to school following the summer break.

There have been 146 cases of measles recorded in Ireland so far this year. In August, there was a sharp rise in the number of cases, with the outbreak affecting the north Dublin city area in particular – with almost 50 cases in the area confirmed in that month alone.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Mary Ward told TheJournal.ie that the rise in measles cases was because of a poor uptake for the MMR vaccine. Ward said that the target level for measles immunisation countrywide was 95 per cent but that target was not being hit.

She encouraged parents to bring their children to be vaccinated, saying the only was to ensure protection against measles was to receive two vaccinations: the initial jab at 12 months, followed by a booster at age four or five.

While the MMR vaccine is free through a family’s GP, vaccinations are also sometimes available in schools.