Protecting against measles

Measles cases are rising in Victoria and around the world. Returned travellers make up most cases, but local spread has also been detected.

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and others against measles. People need 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be fully protected.

To help protect against measles, you should check your family’s measles vaccinations today. This is particularly important if you are:

planning any travel
were born during or after 1966
were born overseas.

You can check your measles vaccination records:

on your Medicare online account through MyGov or by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809
on your personal health records, such as your childhood immunisation records
by speaking to your GP or immunisation provider.

About measles

Measles is a viral infection. It spreads easily from airborne droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing, and nose and throat secretions.

Symptoms may include:

fever
feeling tired or unwell
cough or runny nose
sore and red eyes (conjunctivitis)
diarrhoea – especially in infants.

This is usually followed by a red, blotchy, non-itchy rash that often starts on the face before spreading down the body.

Measles can cause serious illness and be life-threatening. People who are not fully immunised or have not had a previous measles infection are at increased risk.

Pregnant women, children aged under 5 years, and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness and complications.

If your child develops measles symptoms, you should:

Keep your child home from school and seek medical care and testing
Call the health service and wear a face mask when travelling to and attending the health service
Let our school know if your child has measles, or is being tested for measles
Keep your child at home until well and advised by a health professional.

Free measles vaccines

Anyone who does not have 2 doses of the measles vaccine, or is unsure, can get a measles vaccine.

Free vaccines are available for:

infants aged 12 months to 18 months
children and teenagers aged under 20 years
adult refugees and humanitarian entrants.

Free vaccines are also available for anyone with or without a Medicare card if they are:

born during or after 1966 who have not received 2 doses or are unsure, including people born overseas
infants from 6 months to 11 months of age before overseas travel.

Vaccination is widely available at your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service. Call ahead to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine.

Find out more

For more information, refer to:

The Better Health Channel web page: How to find your immunisation records
The Department of Health for translated resources about measles and measles immunisations
Your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service.

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