Protect yourself from measles

Locals are being urged to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles with recent infectious cases in Gippsland and the greater Melbourne area.

Anyone in Victoria born after 1965 is eligible for a free catch-up free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to make sure they are fully immunised.

This is because people born between 1966 and 1994, or those born overseas, may only have received one childhood vaccine.

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit infectious diseases physician Dr Alex Tai said people should visit their GP or pharmacy if they are unsure.

“The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective,” Dr Tai said.

“For people who are not sure if they’ve had their full course of two doses, it is better to get vaccinated to make sure they are protected against measles.”

Bubs between 12 and 18 months of age can be vaccinated against measles under the National Immunisation Program. Catch-up immunisation is also available.

Babies between six and 12 months should get an extra vaccine if they are travelling to countries where there are measles outbreaks.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, symptoms usually appear seven-to-18 days after exposure.

Symptoms include a fever, cough, red eyes, or runny nose, followed by a red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Dr Tai said those most at risk are people who have never had measles before, or anyone who has not been fully immunised with two vaccine doses.

He said kids under five, pregnant people, or those with a weakened immune system were most at risk of developing serious measles complications.
“Anyone who develops symptoms should see their doctor and get tested for measles,” he said.

“However, it is important to call your health service ahead to let them know you have symptoms, and also wear a mask.”

There have been a growing numbers of locally transmitted measles cases in Victoria, with ongoing risks of the disease being brought into the state from returned travellers.

The Victorian Health Department has issued a list of exposure sites.

Anyone who has attended one of these sites in the specified times should seek medical care if symptoms develop up to 18 days after any exposure.