The Department of Health has issued a warning about the likelihood of new cases of measles in Northern Ireland. Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Lourda Geoghegan, stressed the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing the emergence of new measles infections locally. The alarming rise in measles infections across Europe this winter, along with an increase in cases in England and the recent death of an adult from measles in Ireland, has raised concerns.

While there have been no confirmed cases of measles in Northern Ireland since 2017, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. It is crucial to increase the uptake of the MMR vaccine to prevent potential outbreaks. Currently, around 89% of children in Northern Ireland have received their first dose of the MMR vaccine at two years of age, and 85% have received their second dose at five years of age, falling behind the WHO recommended uptake of 95% for two doses of MMR.

Professor Geoghegan emphasized the severity of measles, highlighting the potential for serious illness and life-changing complications, especially in children. The Department of Health has launched an MMR catch-up campaign to offer vaccination to individuals up to 25 years old who may not have been vaccinated or are only partially vaccinated. The routine MMR vaccination is offered at one year old for the first dose and at 3 years and 4 months old for the second.