GPs urge vaccination of travelling babies against measles

The Irish College of GPs has urged families travelling abroad with babies aged six-eleven months to get an additional MMR vaccine due to rising incidence of measles cases across Europe.

GPs have said infants should be vaccinated at least two weeks before going abroad.

Measles is a potentially serious and highly infectious disease and is preventable through vaccination, the college said.

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 large number of people congregate, including airports, buses, trains and ferries.”

He said: “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, the college said.

Those born in Ireland before 1978 are considered immune and do not need an MMR vaccine.