MMR vaccine catch-up clinic will be based in Omagh

THE Western Trust has initiated a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine catch-up campaign in response to a significant increase in measles cases throughout the UK and Europe.

This campaign specifically targets individuals up to 25-years-old who have not yet completed both doses of the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccination, which is free of charge in the North, typically offers the first dose at one year of age, followed by the second dose at three years and four months. Both doses are essential for long-lasting protection against these contagious diseases.

Individuals who have not completed both MMR vaccine doses will receive invitation letters to attend vaccination clinics at the Western Trust’s hospital sites in Altnagelvin, Omagh, and South West Acute Hospital every Saturday from February 10 to March 30.

Locally, the clinic will be based at the Old School Canteen in Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital from 10am-3pm.

Children aged 12 months to five years will be vaccinated by their GP, while those aged six to 25 years who receive invitation letters will be vaccinated at the Western Trust clinics.

Donna Keenan, the Western Trust’s interim executive director of nursing, midwifery & AHP services, stressed the campaign’s importance in preventing the spread of measles and protecting communities.

She said, “This is a really important campaign as Measles is one of the world’s most contagious but very preventable diseases, which unfortunately has been on the rise across the UK and Europe.

“Vaccinations stop the spread of measles and give our communities the best possible protection available against this serious illness, and two doses of the MMR vaccine are needed to ensure the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

“We would encourage all parents and carers to check the vaccination status of their children and young people, and if there are gaps then we ask them to put plans in place to catch up as soon as possible.”

Clinics will operate from February 10 to March 30, with walk-ins accepted and online appointments available. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian, and individuals 17 and older must bring photographic identification.

More information on Measles, Mumps and Rubella, as well as the MMR vaccine, is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr