Monday January 20, 2025
The Department of Health is recommending vaccines for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), following cases in Victoria this year.
The MMR vaccine is available for free to:
• Children 12 months and 18 months of age under the National Immunisation Program
• Anyone born during or after 1966 who has not already received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, are unsure of their vaccination status, or do not have evidence of immunity to measles
• Infants travelling overseas to countries where measles occurs can be vaccinated with an MMR vaccine from 6 months of age. If an infant receives the MMR vaccine when they are younger than 12 months of age, they still need to receive the two further doses of measles-containing vaccine after 12 months of age, usually at 12 and 18 months of age as per the National immunisation Program Schedule.
Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.
Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, particularly those who have recently returned from overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period.
Suspected cases should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified to the Department of Health immediately by calling 1300 651 160.
Measles information sheets