Increased risk of measles in greater Melbourne area – have you had your two MMR vaccines?

There is an increased risk of measles in the greater Melbourne area.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

The number of measles cases who acquired their infection in the greater Melbourne area is increasing. In addition, there is an ongoing risk of measles importation in Victoria in travellers returning from overseas or interstate.

Read more about the situation here.

It can be prevented with 2 MMR vaccines given 1 month or more apart.

Protect yourself with the MMR vaccine

• Make sure you’ve had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella).
• If you don’t know if you’ve had two doses, get another MMR!
• MMR is safe and highly effective.
• If you were born in Australia between 1966 and 1992 or were born overseas it is likely you have only had 1 dose.
• Visit your GP or pharmacy for a catch-up MMR vaccine.

You need an MMR now unless:

• you know for sure that you have had 2 doses of MMR
• a blood test shows that you are immune to measles
• you were born in Australia before 1966