The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) is concerned about the recent increase in measles cases reported in Australia, with outbreaks identified in several states and territories. AHPC is also concerned about major measles outbreaks occurring overseas, including in our region, and immunity gaps due to varied measles vaccination rates in Australia.
Measles is one of the most highly infectious human diseases. It can cause severe disease and complications, including:
- ear infections
- lung infections (pneumonia), and
- acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Young children aged less than 5 years and adults are more likely to experience complications, including death.
Vaccination against measles is safe and highly effective. About 99% of people who receive 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine are protected against measles.
Because measles is so highly contagious, 2-dose vaccination coverage of at least 95% of the population is required for herd immunity and prevention of ongoing transmission.
AHPC emphasises 4 priority areas:
- On-time vaccination for children- The National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule recommends children receive MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccination at 12 months and MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) vaccination at 18 months.
- Catch-up vaccination for children and adults- People born during or after 1966 who have not clearly received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine should get vaccinated - additional doses are safe.
- All relevant vaccinations for overseas travellers- The risk of measles is increasing internationally, so it is important for everyone to check their vaccinations before travelling.
- Some people born during or after 1966 may not have received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine and should get vaccinated before they travel.
- Babies aged 6 to 11 months should receive an extra dose of MMR vaccine (in addition to their normal vaccinations at 12 and 18 months) before they travel.
- Nationally consistent information for healthcare providers and the public- The Australian Government, state and territory governments and health professionals will continue to work together to provide reliable and up-to-date information to combat the growth and impact of misinformation and disinformation.
Although Australia eliminated measles by March 2014, outbreaks have occurred in multiple states and territories this year. Between 1 January and 27 May 2025, 77 people were diagnosed with measles in Australia. Most were young people aged 20 to 49 years who are either unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status, and associated with overseas travel.
In Australia, free measles vaccines are funded through the NIP for:
- children from 12 months of age
- people aged under 20 years needing catch-up vaccination, and
- refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.
Most other Australians and permanent residents are eligible for free measles-containing vaccine under state and territory arrangements. This includes catch-up vaccinations for people aged 20 years and older, and an additional vaccination for infants aged 6 to 11 months travelling to countries where outbreaks are occurring.
Many Australians born between 1966 and the mid-1990s who received vaccinations during childhood likely only received 1 dose of measles-containing vaccine. This has since changed, and 2 doses are now recommended to maximise protection. Other countries introduced 2 dose MMR vaccine programs at different times, so people born overseas may also not have received 2 doses.
Anyone born during or after 1966 who does not have evidence of receiving 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine should seek vaccination from their healthcare provider.
