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January 17, 2003

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"10 Children in Athenry Contract Measles"

Irish Times (www.ireland.com) (01/13/03) P. 3; Houston, Muiris

Ireland's Western Health Board is urging parents to get their children vaccinated with the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, after an outbreak of measles infected 10 children in the Athenry area of County Galway.  The coverage rate for the MMR vaccine is falling in the region, and is only 74 percent--which is significantly lower than the 95 percent immunization rate required to prevent outbreaks, according to the Western Health Board.  Nationwide, the rate of MMR coverage has dropped as well, with the Eastern Regional Health Authority reporting that the uptake for two-year-olds in 2001 declined by 21 percent.  To counter this trend, the authority suggested measures including appointing a specialist to deal with immunizations in the region; providing general practioners with lists of children needing vaccinations; targeting areas of low immunizations; and training of staff who watch for outbreaks; and creating back-to-school campaigns promoting the benefits of immunization for children.

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