GPs urge parents to vaccinate babies against measles if going abroad on holidays

They should get infants vaccinated at least two weeks before going abroad, say GPs.

Measles is a potentially serious and highly infectious disease and is preventable through vaccination.

The Irish College of GPs is the professional body for general practice in Ireland and in response to concerns about the growing incidence of measles in Europe, it is urging parents and guardians of babies from aged six months to 11 months to have their infant vaccinated at least two weeks before departing on a European holiday. Vaccination is free from GP practices for eligible people.

The clinical lead for infection control with the Irish College of GPs, Dr Scott Walkin said: “Measles is spreading fast in Europe right now. Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent cases of measles. It is a highly contagious disease. It is easily passed from person to person, where a large number of people congregate, including airports, buses, trains and ferries.”

“People at greatest risk of becoming ill with measles include infants and people who are not fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Young babies are at particular risk of complications. Overseas travel presents a high risk of developing measles for unvaccinated children. It can be a severe illness which requires hospitalisation in about one in five cases. Vaccination is safe, effective and it’s essential for community immunity.”

Doctors also recommend that relatives of infants travelling, who are not certain they are immune from measles, should also ensure they have two MMR vaccinations. If in doubt, it is safe to give an additional MMR vaccine. However, those born in Ireland before 1978 are considered immune and do not need an MMR vaccine.

So far, there have been over 50 confirmed cases of measles in Ireland this year and a number of outbreaks.

For those with concerns about measles, or symptoms, visit www.hse.ie, call HSELive at 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP.