Measles

Are You And Your Whānau Protected From Measles?

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With the report of measles in Tāmaki Makaurau on May 3, below are some FAQs you may want to read through from Te Whatu Ora.
  • Where can people get vaccinated?

You can get your free Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at your General Practice, hauora Māori or Pacific provider and at many pharmacies.

Some pharmacies are unable to provide vaccinations to people under the age of 3 years, if this is the case in your area you will need to go to your primary care health provider for the free vaccine. Call your local pharmacy to check if they provide MMR vaccines. Or, to find your local pharmacy that provides this service, visit www.healthpoint.co.nz and type ‘MMR vaccine’ into the search box. Many pharmacies will allow walk-ins but it’s a good idea to call ahead to check.

You’ll need a total of 2 doses to be fully protected and they need to be at least a month apart.


  • How infectious is measles?

Measles is a very serious illness that can spread easily amongst those that are not immune. It is much more contagious than COVID-19, particularly amongst people who aren’t immune.

The best protection against measles is to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is safe to have an extra MMR vaccination if you can’t prove you have had two doses.

The MMR vaccine is free. If you or anyone in your whānau born on or after 1 January 1969 has not had an MMR vaccine, or aren't sure, ask your General Practice, hauora Māori or Pacific provider, parent or caregiver. If you can’t confirm two doses were given, play it safe and get vaccinated. There are no safety concerns with having an extra dose.


  • What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms can include a fever, cough, runny nose and sore and watery ‘pink’ eyes. These are followed by a blotchy rash. If you catch measles, you are infectious from four days before and until four days after the rash appears.


  • What should people do if they experience symptoms?

If you have symptoms, you should call your General Practice, hauora Māori or Pacific provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116. If you need to visit your primary care health provider or an after-hours clinic, phone ahead first to limit the risk of the virus being spread to other people. Because measles is so infectious, it’s important that those that have been diagnosed with measles isolate (i.e. staying at home unless seeking healthcare). People who have measles will need to isolate until four days after the rash first appears.


  • What does this case mean for New Zealand?

Public health teams are currently tracing contacts of the case to check immunity, manage them appropriately and offer vaccination where appropriate.

We are all aware of how infectious measles is from the last outbreak in Auckland and Northland in 2019. The most important thing that people can do to protect themselves is to ensure they are immunised, along with their tamariki. Vaccination is the best protection against measles.