Measles outbreak reminder to get immunised

The latest measles outbreak is a reminder about the importance of immunisation in protecting children from this disease.

Measles can make children very sick and miserable, and for some, it can lead to serious complications, says the Ministry of Health’s Chief Advisor for Population Health Dr John Holmes.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is available free at 15 months and four years of age, and to anyone under the age of 40 who wants it. Two doses of MMR give 90 to 95 percent protection against measles.

We’re encouraging parents to check their child’s immunisations are up to date to make sure they are protected against measles. If children are behind with any of their immunisations, it’s never too late to catch up. Contact your family doctor now, Dr Holmes says.

“It’s a parent’s choice but those who decide not to immunise need to appreciate that there are risks not only for their child and family, but also for the community around them. This is especially true with measles because it is so infectious.

“There is a more than 90 percent chance that an unimmunised person will catch measles if they come into contact with someone who is infected. If your child is not immunised and you think they might have measles, please keep them at home and phone your family doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice.”

About 85 percent of New Zealand two-year-olds have had all the recommended immunisations for their age, including MMR, but we need to get to 95 percent to prevent measles outbreaks, Dr Holmes says.

Measles can make children very sick for one to two weeks, with symptoms such as a high fever, hacking cough, red eyes, runny nose and a rash. It often starts as an influenza-like illness. The measles rash may not appear for several days. Adults can also get measles.

The latest confirmed measles cases follow outbreaks in Dunedin, Canterbury and Auckland last year. There were more than 220 notified measles cases in 2009 – more than 18 times the number reported for 2008.

For more information please go to www.moh.govt.nz/immunisation, the Immunisation Advisory Centre website www.immune.org.nz or phone the IMAC toll-free line 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).