Families travelling with child under one year advised to get vaccine due to increase in infectious illness

The HSE has shared a new recommendation for infants aged six to less than 12 months ahead of international travel.

The National Measles Incident Management Team (IMT) issued new advice at it’s latest meeting in response to the threat of infection with measles in children travelling overseas during the summer holiday period.

The IMT recommends that all infants aged 6-11 months should receive an MMR vaccine before travelling abroad.

Read more: HSE warning to parents as surge in measles cases in Europe

Read more: Twenty measles cases confirmed in Ireland this year with more under investigation

This vaccination would ideally be done at least 2 weeks before travel, and “as measles is circulating widely globally, this recommendation applies to all travel abroad.”

“This is based on the NIAC recommendation that infants aged six months to less than 12months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine [prior to travelling].”

“To note, a dose given at less than 12 months of age does not replace the dose recommended at 12 months of age.”

Those who wish to access the vaccination before travelling can do so by booking an appointment for the vaccine with their local GP, and the vaccine will be granted free of charge.

There have been 20 recorded cases of the measles in Ireland so far this year, with 13 more under investigation.

There have been outbreaks of measles in 17 countries this year, including Romania, Poland, Portugal, The Netherlands, Spain and Belgium, according to data compiled by The Sun.

The HSE notes that measles is a viral infection that spreads very easily. The first symptoms of measles are:

• cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
• a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above (fever)
• small grey-white spots in your mouth
• loss of appetite
• tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy

A rash appears a few days after the onset of symptoms. The rash is slightly itchy for some people but not for everyone. It usually starts on the head or neck and then spreads outwards to the rest of the body, fading after about a week.

When it comes to treating the measles, treatment can be administered at home. The HSE recommends:

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the fever, aches and pains – do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old
• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• close the curtains to lower your sensitivity to light
• use damp cotton wool to clean under you or your child’s eyes

In severe cases, you or your child may need to go to hospital for treatment.

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