Measles

Immunisation is the best way to prevent measles.

Ensure all children receive their MMR vaccinations on time at 12 months and 15 months. It is recommended that all children and adults born after 1st January 1969 have two doses of the MMR vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart.

• Adults born before 1st January 1969 are considered immune to measles because the virus is so infectious, and a measles vaccine was not available in New Zealand until 1969. A measles vaccine was introduced in New Zealand in 1969 and was replaced by the combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine in 1990. 

One MMR vaccine will provide 90-95% protection, while two vaccines will provide 99% protection. 

Who should not have the MMR vaccine?

• Anyone who has experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of any measles containing vaccine or any of the vaccine components.

• Anyone who is acutely unwell. The presence of a minor infection is not a reason to delay immunisation.
• Anyone with a diagnosed weakness of their immune system.
• Anyone who has received another live injected vaccine, including varicella (chickenpox) or BCG vaccines, within the previous month.
• Women who are currently pregnant (women should delay pregnancy for one month after having the vaccine).
• Babies under 12 months of age, except on the advice of a Medical Officer of Health during a measles outbreak.

• Fever

• Cough

• Runny nose 

• Sore and watery ‘pink eyes’ 

• Rash

If you catch measles, you can infect others from five days before the rash appears until five days after the rash disappears. The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person through the air.  

In the event of a measles outbreak, children and adults born since 1968 who are a contact of a measles case and who are unimmunised or do not have evidence of immunity against measles are advised NOT to attend early childhood services, school or public places for 14 days after their last contact with the infected person.

If you or a family member suspect you have measles it’s really important to limit spreading it to others, so avoid waiting rooms and please stay at home.  If you suspect you have measles please call ahead and wait in our car park. 

Links 

https://www.arphs.health.nz/public-health-topics/disease-and-illness/measles/