Urgent health warning to Irish holidaymakers this summer
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a new travel health warning for Irish citizens planning trips abroad this summer.
The advisory comes in response to a recent surge in reported cases of measles in several popular holiday destinations.
These locations include a number of European cities as well as USA, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a new travel health warning for Irish citizens planning trips abroad this summer. Pic: Getty Images
The HSE is urging travellers to take extra precautions, including checking vaccination requirements and staying informed about local health risks before and during their travels.
In a statement released this week, the Health Service wrote: 'The HSE is concerned that measles outbreaks may occur in Ireland this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where measles cases have been reported.
'The best way to protect you and your family against measles is to ensure all family members are up to date with the recommended doses of MMR vaccine before travelling abroad.' The advisory comes in response to a recent surge in reported cases of measles in several popular holiday destinations. Pic: Shutterstock
The MMR vaccine is available free of charge at your GP for individuals born on or after January 1st 1978 who are not 'age-appropriately vaccinated.'
Also, infants aged 6 months to under 12 months are eligible to receive an MMR vaccine, free of charge with their GP, prior to travel abroad.
It is recommended to receive the vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel. These locations include a number of European cities as well as USA, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines. Pic: Shutterstock
Sharing further concerns, they added: 'Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among individuals who are unvaccinated.
Measles cases continue to be reported in most European countries, with large outbreaks reported in some countries in 2025. In the latest measles report from ECDC the highest number of cases were reported in: France
Spain
Romania
Netherlands
Belgium
'Large numbers of cases have also been reported in the USA, Canada and some countries in Asia – including Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines.'
More information is available here.
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