Unvaccinated children and young people are being urged to get the MMR vaccine “as soon as possible” as a pharmacy campaign runs throughout June and July.
This comes as a total of 11 cases of measles have been confirmed in Northern Ireland so far this year – the first confirmed cases since 2017.
The campaign, which focusses on the importance of being vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), will run in community pharmacies across the north as part of the Living Well service.
Geraldine Mallon, Immunisation Programme Manager at the Public Health Agency, said that the measles cases were “on the rise”.
“We have seen a fall in the numbers of children receiving the MMR vaccines and these children are at risk,” she said.
“It is therefore important that unvaccinated children and young adults get any missed MMR vaccines as soon as possible.”
“If you are unsure if you or your child is up-to-date with vaccinations, the easiest way to check is to look at your child’s red book or speak to your GP practice,” she added.
Those with missed vaccines are advised to book an appointment as soon as possible, as two doses provide the best protection against infection.
Measles is common in children and while most cases will usually clear within 10 days, it is highly infectious and can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
Anyone who believes that they or their child may have measles should phone their GP in advance before turning up to a health clinic or hospital, unless in an emergency.