The North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU), North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) and Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) have launched a drive to promote the uptake of free measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine in primary care settings for under-immunised adult cohorts.
This is in response to increasing numbers of measles cases globally, to mitigate against the risk of local measles incursions and outbreaks. Adult populations, particularly people born between 1966 and 1992, are likely to only have had one measles vaccine in childhood, and are therefore not fully protected.
Most adult vaccinations occur in primary care settings, and GPs, GP clinic managers, and practice nurses are encouraged to discuss MMR vaccine status and provide free state-funded measles vaccines to all adults born during or after 1966 who are missing two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or are unsure of immunity. It is safe to give another MMR vaccine if a person has lost their childhood vaccine record.
Babies as young as six months can receive an early MMR dose if travelling to countries where measles outbreaks are occurring.
The live-attenuated MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy or for individuals with severe immunocompromise.
Primary care practitioners can support this initiative by
- Adding state-funded MMR vaccine to your next fortnightly OneLink order.
- Opportunistically assessing and offering catch-up MMR vaccination to eligible adults.
- Downloading or printing promotional resources here to display at your practice. A free poster, including printing and delivery, is available by ordering here.
Need more information?
- Visit NEPHU’s website.
- Watch this adult measles immunisation program webinar, hosted by EMPHN. The slide set is also available here.
- Read this information sheet and frequently asked questions for clinicians
- Email healthprotection.nephu@austin.org.au
Similar initiatives are being implemented across Victoria via other Local Public Health Units.
