MMR Catchup Vaccines Should be available in Pharmacies

Pharmacists Issue Advice Amid Growing Concern

15 February 2024: Amid growing concern about the spread of measles, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has urged all adults not yet fully vaccinated to urgently seek a vaccine, while also encouraging parents of unvaccinated children to take steps to protect their children. The IPU has also said that MMR catchup vaccines should be available in pharmacies, as the ease of accessibility would increase uptake.

Measles is a viral illness that had become increasingly rare in Ireland thanks to elevated levels of immunity achieved through vaccination. A worrying trend is emerging across Europe and now in Ireland where declining vaccination rates are corresponding with increased infection.

According to Kathy Maher, pharmacist, and Chair of the IPU’s Pharmacy Contractor’s Committee, “measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious viral infection, as we have seen in Ireland already this year it can be fatal. Thankfully, the majority of cases can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, which your pharmacist can assist with. However, it is important that anyone with a suspected measles infection seeks advice from their pharmacist or GP.”

Pharmacy Vaccinations

Ms Maher has strongly encouraged people to avail of vaccinations to protect themselves and others. “The MMR provides the best way to minimise the risks of contracting or spreading measles. Recent data has shown that vaccination rates have fallen in recent years. Pharmacists are now experienced vaccinators and have been playing an important role in combatting flu and COVID for many years. It is time to add measles, through the MMR to the list of vaccinations available in local pharmacies.
“The COVID pandemic demonstrated the role pharmacists can play an important role in administering vaccines. Patients value the convenient locations and long opening hours of Irish pharmacies; this asset should be utilised in the new fight against measles.”

“Since last year there has been legislation in place that allows pharmacy-based measles vaccinations. Pharmacies are now also connected to the national vaccination recording system, which will ensure that GPs and other healthcare providers can access up to date vaccine records for each patient.”
Concluding Ms. Maher said “This is a very safe highly effective vaccine. We all have a responsibility to our families, friends, coworkers and the most vulnerable in our society to take this simple precautionary step. The MMR is first administered to babies at 12 months, prior to this they have limited protection. For all our infants, as well as other immunocompromised groups, it is imperative that we do what is possible to avoid infection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed for a child to be fully protected.”

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