Measles (4 years)

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the virus, Morbillivirus. It is characterised by a fever, runny nose, cough and sore eyes, followed by a rash.

Due to high vaccination rates, measles is rare in Australia. However, it is important to continue vaccinating healthy individuals who are not immune because the infection can be brought in to the country by people who have travelled to, or have come from, countries where measles is still common.

Measles is highly contagious and is most commonly spread when someone swallows, or breathes in, cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person.  Measles can also be spread if someone touches a surface or object that has been infected with the virus, and then touches their own mouth or nose, or eats with unwashed hands.

People infected with measles can often spread the disease before it is obvious they have measles and for up to 4 days after the rash has appeared.

Please speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your child's risk of measles.

Measles is rare in Australia, but cases still occur.  Anyone who has not been vaccinated, particularly children and health care workers, are at high risk of infection.

People with a chronic illness, children younger than 5 years and adults are at an increased risk of measles complications.

Please speak to your doctor regarding your or your child's individual circumstances.

Symptoms generally occur 10 to 14 days after infection.

Symptoms of measles include a fever, generally feeling unwell (malaise) followed by a cough, head cold symptoms (coryza), sore and red eyes (conjunctivitis) and a red raised rash that typically starts on the face and neck, and then spreads to the rest of the body.

Some of the complications of measles include otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), pneumonia (infection of the lungs), diarrhoea and less commonly, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Measles vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. In Australia vaccination against measles is provided in a combined vaccine that also protects against mumps and rubella.

It is provided free to children as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and consists of 2 doses, usually given at 12 months of age and 4 years of age.

It is important for children to complete the recommended course of vaccinations to help protect them against the disease.

Please speak to your doctor regarding your individual circumstances.

A range of side effects may be experienced following vaccination.  Discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional and inform them if you, or a member of your family experience any side effects as you may need treatment.