New Zealanders are being strongly encouraged to ensure they are fully protected against measles before travelling overseas, with active outbreaks in many popular overseas destinations with previously low risk of infection.
Measles advice on safetravel.govt.nz has been updated to reflect the elevated risk of infection while travelling overseas. There are active measles outbreaks in Australia, the United States, Canada, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, India and other countries that are popular with holidaying Kiwis.
There is also an escalating national risk of measles in New Zealand, with cases reported over the past week in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu and Nelson and potential for further cases.
New Zealand’s Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey says that while some of the recent cases in New Zealand have not travelled overseas, it was highly likely they were linked to a case who had become infected overseas before returning to New Zealand.
“Almost all of our previous measles outbreaks have resulted from non-immune travellers bringing the disease back from overseas,” Dr Grey says.
“We strongly advise travellers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before departing New Zealand, especially when visiting countries with known outbreaks. Unvaccinated travellers risk both contracting measles and spreading the virus internationally and within New Zealand.”
“We know doctors and nurses are already advising their patients who are planning overseas travel of the importance of measles vaccination before they leave. This alert is to reinforce that advice.”
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious and potentially long-term health problems. During New Zealand’s measles epidemic in 2019, about one in three people needed hospital care.
“The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection and it is safe for most people to have extra doses. If you were born after 1 January 1969 and are unsure of your immunisation status, it is recommended you get vaccinated before you travel. Check with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider.”
Vaccine information
- Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age protects 99% of people from measles.
- The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone aged under 18, and for people over 18 who are eligible for free healthcare.
- You can book a vaccination appointment with a pharmacy, your doctor, nurse, or Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider.
- Visit info.health.nz/bookavaccine for a list of vaccination sites in your area.
- For more information about MMR vaccination visit: info.health.nz/MeaslesVaccine.
