Measles jab uptake ‘lower than anticipated’ despite efforts to increase coverage
Despite extensive public health campaigns, measles vaccination rates in Ireland remain below the 95% target required for elimination. Health officials cite staffing limitations and complex contact tracing as significant hurdles in maintaining herd immunity.
Why it matters
Low vaccination coverage poses a public health risk, threatening the country's status as measles-free and increasing the likelihood of outbreaks.
Uptake of the measles jab has been “lower than anticipated”, despite efforts to increase vaccine coverage in light of the “rising threat” of the disease worldwide, the infectious disease watchdog has said.
The measles national incident management team (NIMT) was established in 2024 due to a significant increase in measles across the European Union and United Kingdom, combined with suboptimal measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage in Ireland.
The Republic achieved measles elimination status in 2017, but vaccination coverage has remained below the World Health Organisation target of 95 per cent. The national MMR1 uptake at 24 months was 87.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2025.
The NIMT met throughout 2024 and 2025 to tackle the challenge, before being stood down in May this year.
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