The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urgently advising parents, in particular, of the need to check their children have received their vaccinations. It follows information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) that 17 popular holiday spots across Europe have been affected by measles outbreaks. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Louise Flanagan, consultant in public health at the PHA, said: “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. You should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before you depart. If your trip is less than two weeks away and you're not protected, you should still get a dose of MMR.
“Travelling abroad may increase your risk of catching measles, mumps or rubella and becoming ill during or after travel. There is also the risk you may spread the disease to people who are vulnerable to severe illness such as babies, young children, pregnant women or people with conditions that affect their immune system. “Getting both doses of the MMR vaccine greatly reduces the risk of catching and spreading measles.
” Children between 12 months and five years of age can get the vaccine through their GP practice and those aged six years to 25 years of age can attend an HSC Trust vaccination clinic. Information on trust clinics c.
