JABS VACC’ IN FOCUS DUE TO MEASLES FEAR
One in 10 people not protected
THERE is a high probability of a significant measles outbreak over the coming year with one in 10 not immune, Cabinet ministers will be told today.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will tell colleagues the uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is below the World Health Organisation target rate.
Following a risk assessment by the HSE last month, they will be informed the probability of the introduction and transmission of measles is “high”.
A recent Irish study estimated 11% of adults aged 18-34 are not immune while in the 18-19 male age group, nearly one-in-five are not vaccinated.
Government sources suggested the level of non-immunity among young men is due to “misinformation in the past regarding the MMR vaccine” which falsely linked the jab to autism.
The uptake of the jab in Ireland is below the WHO target of 95%. Nationally, uptake has been below 90% for nearly two years.
There are also significant geographic variations, with rates below 80% in Louth and Meath, but as high as 94% in Dublin Southwest. Elsewhere, Justice Minister Helen Mcentee will bring forward plans for laws to help gardai tackle online crime.
This will ensure they have access to the most up-to-date powers for getting swift access to criminal evidence in digital form.
Housing Minister Darragh O’brien, meanwhile, will seek approval to transfer nine sites to the Land Development Agency for the construction of between 2,800 and 3,330
homes.