Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be life threatening. Measles is caused by a virus and is easily preventable with immunisation.
If you or your anyone in your whānau born after 1969 has not had an MMR vaccine, or aren’t sure, ask your GP, parent or caregiver. If you’re not still not sure, it’s OK to have a dose to ensure you’re protected. It’s fine to have an MMR vaccine at the same time, before or after your COVID-19 vaccine.
Measles can be life threatening: about 1 in 10 people with measles will need hospital treatment.
Measles can also lead to other complications, including:
Up to 30% of people with measles will develop complications – usually children under 5 and adults over the age of 20.
Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labour and low birth-weight babies.
The illness starts 10 days after you’ve been exposed, but the range can be from 7-23 days from exposure.
A blotchy rash which tends to start on your face, behind the ears, before moving over your head and down your body. The rash lasts for up to a week.
If you think that you or a family member has symptoms of measles, it is important you ring your general practice or call Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice as soon as possible.
It’s important to call before visiting your doctor because measles is easily passed on from one person to another. Phoning ahead helps ensure steps are taken to avoid you spreading measles in the waiting room.
You should also stay away from work, school or public places, to help prevent putting other people at risk. This also applies if you or a family member aren’t fully immunised and may have been in contact with someone with measles.
There is no specific treatment for measles. You can relieve the symptoms by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
In severe cases, you may need to go to hospital for treatment.
If you think that you or a family member has symptoms of measles, it is important you get advice as soon as possible. Contact your general practice or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
It’s important to call before visiting your doctor because measles is easily passed on from one person to another. Phoning ahead helps ensure steps are taken to avoid you spreading measles in the waiting room.
You should also stay away from work, school or public places, to help prevent putting other people at risk. This also applies if you or a family member aren’t fully immunised and may have been in contact with someone with measles.
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases. The best protection against measles is the free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Getting a measles vaccination >
The brand of MMR vaccine used in New Zealand is Priorix. See the Medsafe website for more information about Priorix (PDF, 52 KB).
In October 2020 the MMR vaccine was moved from being given at 15 months and 4 years to being given at 12 months and 15 months.
In outbreak situations, the local Medical Officer of Health can advise that vaccination be given to younger children as follows:
It’s important to be up to date with measles immunisation, even if you’re an adult. By being immunised, you will not only be protecting yourself and your family – you’ll also stop the disease spreading in your community.
Your doctor or nurse can provide the vaccinations. Contact your family doctor to make an appointment. As of 2019, pharmacist vaccinators can also administer MMR vaccine to people aged 16–50 years.
If you’re unsure of your vaccination status you can check your Well Child Tamariki Ora or Plunket book, or contact your general practice. If you can’t find your records, vaccination is recommended.
Vaccination is particularly important if you are planning to travel anywhere overseas – to protect yourself and to help prevent outbreaks in New Zealand.
You shouldn’t get immunised against measles if you:
If you think you have been exposed to measles and are unable to have the vaccine, ask your doctor for advice.
Pregnant women who think they have measles, or have come in contact with someone with measles, must call their general practice or lead maternity carer as soon as possible. If you were immunised against measles prior to becoming pregnant, you are almost certainly protected.