Confirmed measles case in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
Measles is a highly infectious disease, meaning it can spread rapidly from just one person.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN TĀMAKI MAKAURAU/AUCKLAND ANY TIME BETWEEN SATURDAY 3 MAY AND NOW: check Te Whatu Ora's list of locations of interest for details of where the exposure locations are and what to do if you're considered a close contact.
GET YOURSELF AND YOUR WHĀNAU IMMUNISED -- IT'S FREE!
Measles can be deadly. It is especially dangerous for tamariki, for the elderly, and for immunocompromised people.
If you are not immune to measles, you have a 90% chance of getting infected if you come into contact with it. 10% of infected people will require hospitalisation.
Immunisation is you and your whānau's greatest protection against measles.
95% of New Zealanders need to be immune to measles to prevent an outbreak, but currently only about 80% of people are. Immunisation rates for tamariki in particular are too low.
A single dose of the measles vaccine is about 95% effective in preventing measles infection.
Two doses of the measles vaccine are 99% effective in preventing measles infection.
THE MEASLES VACCINE
The measles vaccine is called Priorix and two doses are required, given at least 4 weeks apart, to complete the vaccination course and achieve 99% effectiveness against measles. It's also known as the MMR vaccine because it provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Priorix is free for those eligible for funded healthcare in Aotearoa NZ.
Priorix is a safe vaccine. Unfortunately, unfounded safety concerns about the measles vaccine have negatively impacted measles vaccination rates in Aotearoa NZ and elsewhere.
Common responses to the measles vaccine include fever, mild rash, mild swelling under the jaw, swollen glands, and joint pain. These responses are temporary and pose a significantly lesser risk to individuals than measles infection does. Temporary low platelet count and/or convulsion with fever are also possible but rare.
Who can get the measles vaccine?
People in Aotearoa NZ aged older than 12 months and born on or after 1 January 1969 can receive the measles vaccine unless they meet any of the exclusion criteria below.
Who can't get the measles vaccine?
You should not get the measles vaccine if you:
Have a severe weakness of the immune system
Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any components of the vaccine
Are currently hapū/pregnant (delay hapūtanga/pregnancy until 4 weeks after vaccination)
Have received another live injected vaccine within the last 4 weeks
You should seek specialist advice before considering measles vaccination if you:
Are receiving high-dose steroid medicine for more than 14 days
Have HIV
Are a tamaiti/child with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) at the time of vaccination
Have received a blood product in the past 11 months
Are expecting to receive a blood product in the next 2 months
Are having chemotherapy
People born before 1969
Measles is such a highly infectious disease that everyone born in Aotearoa NZ prior to 1969 and who spent their childhood here is considered immune due to exposure to measles in the community. 1969 is the year that a measles vaccine was first introduced in Aotearoa NZ.
Protecting those who can't get vaccinated against measles
Not everyone can get vaccinated against measles, depending on their age, whether or not they're hapū/pregnant, and whether they have certain health conditions.
If you're able to get vaccinated against measles, doing so doesn't just protect yourself: it also helps to protect those around you who are most vulnerable, and who may not be able to get vaccinated themselves. Get vaccinated for yourself, for your whānau, and for your community.
IMMUNITY AGAINST MEASLES
You are considered to be immune to measles if:
1) You were born in Aotearoa NZ prior to 1969 and spent your childhood here, or
2) You have had measles in the past, or
3) You have had 2 doses of the measles vaccine after the age of 12 months
Contact us for advice if:
You are unsure if you or your tamariki have had 2 doses of the measles vaccine
You were born before 1969 but didn't spend your childhood in Aotearoa NZ
You have had pre-HSCT conditioning since receiving measles vaccination
Call our reception on 04 472 4266 to book a practice nurse appointment if you would like to get a measles vaccination.
Read more about getting yourself and your whanau vaccinated, including FAQs
