Measles

Measles is a serious disease that can make you very sick. Getting immunised is the best way to protect you, your whānau and community from catching and spreading measles. 

If you’re aged 18-34, you may not have been fully vaccinated against measles. 

• Where can I get immunised
• Māori Health Partners
• How you get Measles
• Symptoms and treatment
• Good reasons to get immunised
• Is the measles (MMR) vaccine safe? 
• Te Whatu Ora measles information 

Where can I get immunised?

https://www.northlanddhb.org.nz/your-health/community-clinics/immunisation/

You can get immunised from these pharmacies if you are 16 years or older.

You can also get a free vaccination from your Māori Health Provider, doctor or nurse.  

Māori Health Partners  

How do you get Measles

The measles virus is highly contagious. It is spread through the air by infected droplets or by direct contact with secretions from the nose or throat of infected persons, for example by touching contaminated items or surfaces. It can survive for up to 2 hours in the air. A person with measles is most contagious from when symptoms start until three to four days after the rash appears.

Anyone who has not received at least one dose of a measles-containing vaccine or who has not already had the disease is at risk of catching measles.

Symptoms and treatment

Measles key signs and symptoms  

• The illness often begins with fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (pink, watery and sore eyes), which can last for 2-4 days. 

• A red and spotty rash then appears 2-4 days after the first symptoms, beginning at the hairline and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles.  Supportive care including good nutrition, vitamin A supplements and adequate fluid intake, including hospital care when needed, can help to manage severe complications. 

Good reasons to get immunised

In 2019 we had a measles outbreak in New Zealand, with more than 2,000 people catching measles. 700 had to go to hospital. Māori and Pacific peoples were particularly affected. We need 95 percent of people to be immune to reach ‘community immunity' (sometimes known as ‘herd immunity’) and help stop future outbreaks.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?

The chance of having a serious side-effect from the MMR vaccine is extremely rare and would happen within 20 minutes of being immunised. That’s why you’ll be asked to stay for 20 minutes after you have the MMR vaccine. If a severe allergic reaction does happen, the vaccinator can effectively treat it.
Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will talk about possible reactions with you at the time.

There are very few people who can’t be immunised. Talk with your health professional if you’ve had a serious reaction to a vaccine in the past, are being treated for cancer or a severe illness, or had a blood transfusion in the last year. You can’t have the MMR vaccine when you’re pregnant.