Topic: Measles and immunisation
Description
Measles is an acute, highly infectious illness caused by the measles virus. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia (lung infection) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It may also cause middle ear infection.
Complications are more common and more severe in people with a chronic illness, very young children and adults. Measles should not be regarded as a simple mild disease.
Practical Advice
Immunisation
Immunisation is the most effective way to prevent measles.
Immunisation against measles is recommended as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule and the vaccine is available free for:
- all children at 12 months and 4 years of age
- adults born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or had the diseases.
Protection against measles is given through a combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses are needed to provide a high level of protection.
Immunisation is also recommended (but not funded) for healthcare workers and those who work with children.
Women planning a pregnancy should discuss with their doctor about whether they should be immunised against measles. If so, they should be vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least 28 days before pregnancy or immediately after delivery.
To have the best protection against the disease, it is important to be immunised at the recommended times.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are minor, last a short time and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Possible side effects of the MMR vaccine may include discomfort where the injection was given, fever, a rash which is not infectious, drowsiness and tiredness. If side effects occur, they usually come on seven to 10 days after immunisation and last two or three days. More serious side effects are extremely rare and can include severe allergic reactions.
Contact your immunisation provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination which you consider serious or unexpected.
Pre-vaccination checklist
This checklist helps your doctor/nurse decide about vaccinating you or your child.
Please tell your doctor/nurse if the person about to be vaccinated:
- is unwell today
- has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS) or is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- has had a severe reaction following any vaccine
- has any severe allergies (to anything)
- has had any vaccine in the past month
- has had an injection of immunoglobulin, or received any blood products or a whole blood transfusion within the past year
- is pregnant
- has a past history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
- was a preterm infant
- has a chronic illness
- has a bleeding disorder.
A different vaccine schedule may be recommended if the person to be vaccinated:
- identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- does not have a functioning spleen
- is planning a pregnancy or anticipating parenthood
- is a parent, grandparent or carer of a newborn
- lives with someone who has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS), or lives with someone who is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).
Care after vaccination
- For redness or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress.
- To lower temperature or relieve discomfort, paracetamol may be given.
- If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- If any reaction occurs that you consider serious or unexpected, seek medical advice.
- Contact the service provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination.
Where can I be immunised?
You can be immunised at your local doctor or medical centre. Some councils, community child health and community health centres hold free immunisation clinics. Check with them for details.
Other Resources
For further information please contact:
- your doctor
- your nearest population health unit
- 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811.
Immunise Australia
A website about childhood immunisation produced by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Information about communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases.
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR)
A website about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), produced by Medicare Australia.
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
Related Content
National Health and Medical Research Council, 2008. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Ed.)
Last updated: 8th March, 2011
Review Date: 31st December, 2010
