Measles cases rise in Europe; The Irish College of GPs has urged "infants to get an extra MMR vaccine";

The Irish College of GPs has urged families traveling abroad with babies aged six to eleven months to get an extra MMR vaccine as the number of measles cases across Europe continues to rise.

The Irish College of GPs urged that infants be vaccinated at least two weeks before going abroad. Dr Scott Walkin, Clinical Lead for Infection Control with the Irish College of GPs, said:

 “Measles is now spreading rapidly in Europe. "Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. It's highly contagious.

"It is easily transmitted from person to person in places where large numbers of people congregate, including airports, buses, trains and ferries."

He said: "Those at greatest risk of contracting influenza include infants and people who have not received the full MMR vaccine. Young children are at a higher risk of complications.

"Travel abroad puts unvaccinated children at high risk of measles, a serious illness that requires hospitalization in one-fifth of cases.

"Vaccination is safe and effective and is essential for community immunity.

Doctors also recommend that relatives of traveling infants who are not sure they are immune to measles make sure they have two MMR vaccinations.

 She informed that measles is a serious and highly contagious disease and is preventable through vaccination. Vaccinations are free from GP practices for eligible people. Don't worry, it's safe to give extra MMR vaccine, the college said. Those born in Ireland before 1978 are considered immune and do not need the MMR vaccine.