There have already been 253 reported cases in 2020 alone.
The Health Service Executive announced today (Tuesday 21 January) that it will be offering a free dose of the MMR vaccine in light of a significant increase in reported cases of mumps around the country.
They are specifically urging anyone aged between 11 and 30 years of age who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, or who are unsure of their vaccine status.
Mumps is regarded as being a highly infectious and dangerous illness which spreads very easily, and it can have life changing repercussions in some instances.
Dr Suzanne Cotter, the public health specialist at the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, made the following statement:
“Secondary schools and third level institutions have seen the highest incidences of mumps. During 2019 the number of mumps cases continued to rise and we saw 2,762 cases compared with 573 cases the previous year. To date in 2020, 253 cases have already been notified to the HSE.”
“Parents and young adults should speak with their GP or student health service and get the vaccine free of charge for their child or themselves if needed.”
“At the moment, 91% of children in Ireland have received one dose of MMR by 24 months of age. While this is a good uptake by international standards it is below the target of 95% to prevent cases of measles and measles outbreaks.”
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