HSE warns parents to vaccinate children
Wednesday, 31st August 2011
The Health Service Executive has strongly advised parents to ensure their children have 2 doses of MMR Vaccine, as cases of measles begin to rise in Ireland and across Europe. The MMR vaccine is the only protection available from measles, which can be a very serious and sometimes fatal illness.
Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald, HSE Director of Public Health, explained that 'we have seen a rapid increase in numbers of measles cases recently, most of them centred in North Dublin City. Measles is a serious illness, and MMR vaccine is the only protection against it. In the year 2000, a serious outbreak in Dublin saw cases rise as high as 1600, and claimed the lives of 3 young children'.
'There have been 135 cases of measles in Ireland since the start of 2011, with over 70% arising in North Dublin City. Of the more than 26,000 cases across Europe, some have resulted in some severe outcomes, with six deaths, 14 neurological complications and 444 cases of severe pneumonia.
'MMR Vaccine is the only protection against measles – we urge parents to make sure their children are fully protected by having the complete course of 2 MMR vaccinations. '
The MMR vaccine is free Read more on http://www.hse.ie or HYPERLINK "http://www.immunisation.ie" http://www.immunisation.ie
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