Measles update

We understand this is a concerning time for many, particularly parents of young children who are not yet vaccinated for measles, as there remains a lot of uncertainty about the extent of the current outbreak.
The following advice is from the official Ministry of Health website and we hope this helps to answer your questions about how to protect your little one.

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious and potentially long-term health problems. People with measles often feel very unwell, but you may be contagious even before you get any symptoms.

Measles symptoms include:

We strongly encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay at home and to contact Healthline or Ilam Medical if you have any symptoms of measles, even if you have not been at one of the known locations of interest.

You can call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116 for information and advice.

If you suspect you may have measles, please phone ahead before visiting us, so that precautions can be taken to prevent measles spreading.

People can check their immunity status by visiting info.health.nz/measles-immunity(external link) or call the Vaccination Helpline 0800 28 29 26.

Note, the digital records only started in 2005, so vaccines prior to this will most likely not be available to the resources above, or to us at Ilam Medical.

Immunity to measles, mumps and rubella is assumed after two documented doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella combined vaccine) or documented disease.

Immunity to measles is also assumed in people who lived in New Zealand prior to 1969, as measles was endemic.

The need for a vaccine therefore depends on your age and previous immunisation history.

the current advice is as follows:

People aged in their 70s and older do not need MMR vaccine

People aged in their mid-50s and in their 60s are very unlikely to need a vaccine, but it can be considered if necessary e.g travelling to high-risk countries

People aged younger than mid-50s need MMR if they do not have a clear record of two doses of measles containing vaccine or confirmed measles. Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart

Two scheduled MMR doses are given at 12 months and 15 months of age. Children who have not received two documented doses can be offered catch-up doses, given at least 4 weeks apart.

Early MMR vaccination is not currently recommended for babies under 12 months unless they’ve been in direct contact with a confirmed measles case or travelling overseas. If this advice changes, we’ll share an update as soon as possible. In the meantime, please make sure your child’s regular immunisations are up to date. If you have any questions or want to talk through your child’s vaccines, you can contact the Vaccination Helpline 0800 28 29 26 or get in touch with our team – we’re happy to help. Note, if a child receives an additional MMR dose before 12 months of age, they still require the two scheduled doses at 12 months and 15 months.

If you believe you require a measles/MMR booster based on the criteria above, please book in to see a nurse by calling reception.

Please note, there are contraindications to receiving this vaccination, such as immunosuppression and pregnancy. Please read the following information before booking in for a vaccination: https://www.immune.org.nz/vaccine/priorix

If you remain unsure of whether you require a booster/vaccination, please give us a call or speak with your GP at your next appointment.

Please refer to the following websites for further information/advice:
https://www.immune.org.nz/vaccine/priorix