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National Health Advisory Updated Advice for Measles Vaccination
Since June 2019 Auckland has been experiencing an outbreak of measles. There have been over 600 cases to date. Measles is highly infectious and can be life-threatening, but immunisation protects yourself, your family and also helps protect the community.
There have now been 23 confirmed cases of measles in Northland with a new case confirmed last week in a person who recently spent time in Auckland and is likely to have caught measles there.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Catherine Jackson urges parents and their children who were at the Whangarei Academy of Gymnastics on Wednesday 7 August between 1.30pm and 4pm or at Flip Out on Friday 9 August between 12pm and 2.30pm to be aware of the signs that they might be getting measles.
Measles starts a bit like the flu with fevers, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes with a rash appearing on day 3-5.
If you think you or someone you love may have measles call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
The Ministry is monitoring the Auckland outbreak closely. People travelling to Auckland, particularly South Auckland, should be immunised against measles before they travel.
Normally, the first measles vaccination occurs at 15 months of age. However, babies who are travelling to Auckland or living in Auckland should have their first measles vaccine earlier at 12 months of age. Vaccination should be done at least two weeks before travelling to allow their immunity to develop.
Anyone who may have been in contact with someone with measles should check their vaccination status before they travel. People who have early symptoms of measles (fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes) should not travel.
After one dose of the MMR vaccine, about 95% of people are protected. Immunisation is the best protection against measles, and it’s free. If you are aged under 50 years and have never had at least one dose of a measles vaccine get vaccinated now.
