MMR vaccine Catch-up Programme
The MMR vaccine catch-up programme is for some children who did not get the MMR vaccine when it was offered to them when they were 12 months old, or age 4-5 years old in junior infants.
Who can get the MMR vaccine now?
The current fee schedule for MMR is limited to children aged between 14 months and 10 years but in the current circumstances that limitation has been lifted and GPs may administer both original and booster doses to all ages where patients present for vaccination.
There is no recommendation to get a 2nd MMR early. Children should get the 2nd MMR vaccine in junior infants in school.
Adults born in Ireland before 1978 are likely to have had measles infection and so would not require vaccination.
How do I access the MMR vaccine for my child?
You can contact your GP surgery and ask if they are offering MMR catch-up vaccinations at this time. If they are offering MMR catch-up vaccinations, you can book your child in with their GP to get the vaccine. The vaccine is free. Your child may need one or two doses of the vaccine to be fully vaccinated.
How many vaccines will my child need?
If your child has never received the MMR vaccine, they will need two doses of the MMR vaccine, one dose now and another dose after a month.
If your child received one dose of MMR vaccine in the past, they will need one dose of the MMR vaccine, a month or longer after the last dose.
If your child has already received two MMR vaccines, they will not need another MMR vaccine dose.
Why is vaccination important?
The MMR vaccine protects against the measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Measles is a viral infection and is very contagious. Measles infection can cause serious complications in children, pregnant women and the immunocompromised. There have been an increase in measles cases internationally and in Europe. In August 2023, there were a small number of measles cases reported in Ireland, the first outbreak since 2019. The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against catching measles and preventing outbreaks. If 95 out of 100 people, got the two MMR injections, this would prevent measles outbreaks.
For more information see below