Ensure your child is up to date with Immunisations:

 Since the beginning of 2013 there have been large outbreaks of measles in Europe –  in Wales there have been over 1,300 cases and over 900 cases have been reported in Germany.

In Ireland there have been over 30 cases of measles since the start of 2013.

Vaccination with MMR vaccine is the only way to protect against measles. In Ireland the first MMR dose is given by GPs at 12 months of age, and the second dose at 4-5 years of age is usually given at school by HSE vaccination teams.

Information for parents who have children aged 4 years.

When your child is aged 4 to 5 years, they will be offered two vaccines:

• the 4 in 1 booster to protect against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and tetanus; and
• a second dose of the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

• 4 in 1 and MMR – English
• 4 in 1 and MMR – Irish
• 4 in 1 and MMR – Arabic
• 4 in 1 and MMR – Simplified Chinese
• 4 in 1 and MMR – German
• 4 in 1 and MMR – French
• 4 in 1 and MMR – Polish
• 4 in 1 and MMR – Portuguese
• 4 in 1 and MMR – Romanian
• 4 in 1 and MMR – Russian

Immunisation

What is immunisation?

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child
against certain diseases. Children and young people in Ireland are entitled to
certain vaccinations and immunisation services free of charge. These vaccines are
provided in a range of settings:  in hospitals, at Health Centres,
at home or at school.

Is immunisation free?

Vaccinations under the Childhood Immunisation Programme in Ireland are provided
free of charge to all children. The childhood immunisation programme protects
children from the following: Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough
(Pertussis), HiB (Haemophilus influenzae B), Polio, Meningitis C, Measles,
Mumps and Rubella.

Are vaccines safe?

The vaccines used in Ireland are safe. All medicines can cause side effects,
but with vaccines these are usually mild, like a sore arm or leg or a slight
fever.

Serious side effects to vaccines are extremely rare. Research from around the
world shows that immunisation is the safest way to protect your child’s health.
Your doctor or nurse can discuss the risks with you before giving your child
their vaccines. All the recommended vaccines used to protect children in
Ireland are licensed by the Irish Medicines Board or the European Medicines
Evaluation Agency. They are allowed to be used only after they have been shown
to be both effective and safe.

Where can I get my child immunised?

The HSE recommends that all parents bring their children for immunisation,
which is free. If you have any more questions or need more
information, you can visit the HSE website – www.immunisation.ie, or
speak to your GP or your Practice Nurse. Information booklet

Download the booklet “Your child’s immunisation – A guide for parents“