A free measles-containing vaccine is now available for anyone aged 20-59 who lives in any of the 11 LGAs of the South East Public Health Unit region.
Participants can redeem a voucher online and use it at any participating pharmacy.
This initiative, led by a number of local public health units in Victoria, follows a series of Chief Health Officer alerts this year as new cases of measles have been detected, mostly linked to overseas travel.
In the past week, 5 cases have been detected in the SEPHU region, including one with no known source of acquisition. Exposure sites across Victoria are listed here.
Measles vaccination coverage in Australia is below the 95% national target and most recent measles cases in Victoria have occurred in people who have not had two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“The message is simple,” said Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director of the South East Public Health Unit. “If you were born during or after 1966 and have not had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or you are unsure of your vaccination status, you should be vaccinated for measles.”
“A catch-up dose is safe and effective, and will help protect you, your family and your friends.”
“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 Stuart.
“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.”
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.
Measles cases continue to be reported across multiple regions including Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East. Outbreaks are reported in multiple countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan and India. Any overseas travel could lead to measles exposure.