Measles remains a global threat and Victoria continues to be at risk of measles outbreaks.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles, and two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are required to be protected. 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 and represent an “immunity gap”.
Clinicians are encouraged to use every patient interaction as an opportunity to check measles vaccination status. Routine health checks, chronic disease reviews, and pre-travel consultations are ideal moments to check a patient’s measles immunity status.
Primary care practitioners can support measles vaccination by:
- Opportunistically assessing and offering free state-funded catch-up MMR vaccination to all adults born on or after 1966 whoare 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.
- Adding state-funded MMR vaccine to your next OneLink order.
- Downloading or printing promotional resources here to display at your practice. Free poster printing and delivery is available to practices located within the NEPHU catchment by ordering here.
There is no need to check measles serology prior to vaccination.
The live-attenuated MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy or for individuals with severe immunocompromise.
This program supplements the National Immunisation Program which offers free Commonwealth funded catch up MMR to people aged less than 20 years and refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age who are not fully immunised.
Need more information?
- Visit this NEPHU page
- Watch Response to measles outbreak: Adult measles immunisation program webinar, hosted by EMPHN. The slideset is also available.
- Read information sheet and FAQs for clinicians
- Email us at nephu@austin.org.au
Disclaimer: This article was provided by North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU). While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
