Response to increasing measles cases – NEPHU adult measles immunisation program webinar recording

NEPHU Response to measles outbreak: Adult measles immunisation program

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The North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU), in partnership with EMPHN and NWMPHN, are promoting the uptake of free MMR vaccine for under-immunised adult cohorts, as part of a statewide initiative. 

This is in response to increasing numbers of measles cases globally to mitigate against the risk of local measles incursions and outbreaks. Adult populations, particularly people born between 1966 and 1992, are likely to only have had one measles vaccine in childhood and are therefore not fully protected. Clinicians are encouraged to assess MMR vaccine status and provide free state-funded measles vaccines to all adults born on or after 1966 who do not have two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine or are unsure of immunity. It is safe to give another MMR vaccine if a person has lost their childhood vaccine record. 

Primary care practitioners can support this initiative by: 

• Opportunistically assessing and offering catch-up MMR vaccination to eligible adults 
• Adding state-funded MMR vaccine to your next OneLink order.  

• Downloading or printing promotional resources to display at your practice.  A free poster printing and delivery is available to practices located in the NEPHU catchment by ordering here. 
• Read information sheet and FAQs for clinicians. 

Babies as young as six months can receive an early MMR dose if travelling to countries where measles outbreaks are occurring. 

The live-attenuated MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy or for individuals with severe immunocompromise. 

Need more information? 

• Visit https://nephu.org.au/news-and-events/measles-immunisation-program-launched/ 
• Email healthprotection.nephu@austin.org.au