Vaccination blitz at north inner city schools

THE Health
Service Executive (HSE) began its MMR vaccination blitz in north inner city
primary schools last week.

The blitz took
place in response to a rapid rise in the number of cases of measles in the area
over the summer.

Dr Margaret
Fitzgerald, HSE Director of Public Health, told Northside People recently that
they have seen a rapid increase in numbers of measles cases recently, most of
them centred in north Dublin city.

“Measles is a
serious illness, and the MMR vaccine is the only protection against it,

? stated
Dr Fitzgerald.

“In the year
2000, a serious outbreak in Dublin saw cases rise as high as 1,600, and claimed
the lives of three young children.’

The HSE said
that as the normal routine kicks in, children are going back to crèche,
preschool and primary school.

“This is a time
when more children are mixing together and so the risk of spreading measles is
increased,

? the HSE stated.

“Make sure that
your children are protected against infectious diseases by ensuring they are up
to date with their vaccines.

?

The schools
involved last week were Central Model Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, St
Vincent’s School, North William Street, St Laurence O’Toole School Seville
Place, Gardiner Street School and Holy Spirit School, Sillogue Road, Ballymun.
Further vaccination clinics will take place in primary schools in the area next
week.

For more
information visit www.immunisation.ie or www.hpsc.ie