Babies in Northern Ireland to be vaccinated two months' earlier against MMR
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The age at which children receive the MMR vaccine in Northern Ireland has fallen from 15 months to 13 months, bringing them in line with the rest of the UK.
Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said, 'By bringing immunisation forward to 13 months, we can achieve two additional months of protection against measles, mumps and rubella and still ensure that babies are old enough to respond effectively to this important vaccine'.
Dr McBride urged all parents to have theiri chidlren vaccinated. 'We are all aware of the measles outbreaks that have occurred in Northern Ireland this year. This should serve as a reminder to parents that MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles, mumps and rubella and that all children should have two doses of MMR vaccine by age four to ensur ethey are protected.'
The change came into force on 1 November and will be rolled out throughout November and December.
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