Victorians are being urged to check their measles vaccination status as cases of the disease continue to arrive back in Australia, sparking local outbreaks.
“It is easy to check if you are protected against measles by looking up your vaccination record on mygov or asking your local family doctor to check for you,” said Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director of the South East Public Health Unit.
“People born outside Australia may have missed measles-containing vaccination altogether and anyone born in Australia between 1966 and 1992 is encouraged to have a catch-up measles-containing vaccination because it is likely they had only one dose of the vaccine as a child.”
A free catch-up MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine is available for all Victorians born during or since 1966. “If you don’t know if you’ve had two doses, get a catch-up dose. It is safe and free.”
Measles is easily spread and can cause serious illness, including pneumonia and brain swelling.
There are large outbreaks globally, including in popular travel destinations such as Indonesia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Vietnam and Thailand.
“This year in Victoria we have seen almost three times the number of cases than we saw in 2024, and other states have also seen an increase in numbers, with most cases in returned travellers from overseas,” Professor Stuart said.
“To protect yourself, make sure you have had 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine before going overseas. Infants as young as six months can receive an early dose if travelling to countries where the disease is common or where outbreaks are occurring.”
“It is best to visit your family doctor, travel health clinic or immunisation provider 6 to 8 weeks before departure,” Professor Stuart said. Many pharmacies also provide travel vaccinations without the need to see a doctor.
Those born before 1966 do not need to be vaccinated. This group is regarded as already exposed to the disease and is likely to have natural immunity.