While Australia eliminated local transmission of measles in 2014, a recent rise in cases globally has seen a local surge of the highly contagious viral illness.
Only a quarter of the way into 2025, Australia has already recorded 52 measles cases — almost as many as the total recorded across all of last year (57).
Over the past fortnight alone, new alerts have been issued in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
There was also a case in the Northern Territory earlier this year.
Most cases occur in people returning from overseas, including to popular holiday destinations like Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, which are currently experiencing measles outbreaks.
But in recent weeks, a growing number of infections have been detected among Australians who haven’t been overseas or in contact with anyone who has, Kristine Macartney, director of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, said.
“We’re seeing cases pop up that represent undetected transmission in the community, and this is exactly what we don’t want to see.”
Measles primarily affects children, and declining childhood vaccination rates have prompted calls for parents to ensure their kids are vaccinated.
But adults can also catch and spread the disease, especially if they are undervaccinated — a category many Australians might find themselves in.
Here’s what you need to know.
Who should be vaccinated against measles?
Measles is a potentially serious illness that can lead to long-term health complications, hospitalisation, and even death.
In Australia, children are routinely vaccinated against the measles virus at 12 months of age (along with mumps and rubella), and again at 18 months (in combination with the chickenpox vaccine).
But measles vaccination is also recommended for people born during or since 1966 who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, particularly if they are:
- healthcare workers
- childhood educators and carers
- people who work in long-term care facilities
- people who work in correctional facilities
- planning to travel overseas.
Prior to 1966, the measles virus circulated widely in the community and most people who lived during this time are assumed to have acquired immunity from natural infection.
But Australians born between 1966 and 1994 are considered at greater risk of measles because they are less likely to have acquired natural immunity, and may have had just one dose of the vaccine.
This is because it wasn’t until the early ’90s that a second measles dose — which increases protection from roughly 95 to 99 per cent — was added to the national childhood immunisation schedule.
“[Before this] you were only recommended to have one dose, which isn’t completely protective,” Professor Macartney said.
“The second dose also boosts your immunity over a longer period of time.”
A number of school-based, catch-up programs were run in the mid and late 1990s to increase immunisation rates, but Professor Macartney said many Australians aged in their mid 30s to early 60s are likely to have had only one dose.
“We know from previous antibody surveys of the population that this age group has lower levels of immunity to measles than is ideal,” she said.
Some adults who have migrated to Australia may have also had only one dose (or none) and are also recommended for vaccination.
How do I know if I’ve been vaccinated against measles?
One way to check your immunisation history is through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), which you can access through a myGov or Medicare online account.
The AIR is a national register which records vaccines given to people of all ages in Australia. It was, however, only established in 1996 — and initially only for childhood vaccinations — which means it may be incomplete for many adults.
Another way to check your immunisation history is to look at your personal health records (e.g. a baby book), or contact your GP or local council, which may have a record of your vaccinations.
Is it safe to get another vaccine if I’m not sure?
Yes (unless you’re someone who should not normally receive a measles vaccine — see below).
“There’s absolutely no harm at all in having a measles vaccine if you’ve already had two doses. It’s a very safe vaccine,” Professor Macartney said.
“And if you think you’ve never had a dose at all, then we recommend two doses four weeks apart.”
Blood tests to check for antibody levels to the measles virus can be helpful to determine whether someone has immunity (either from infection or previous vaccination).
But since there are no increases in adverse events from vaccinating people with pre-existing immunity, Professor Macartney recommends people who are unsure just “go ahead and get an extra dose”.
“It’s something people should certainly consider if they’re going travelling, but also if they’re here in Australia, because of the risk of others bringing measles in.”
Catch-up measles vaccines are available at most GPs, community health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies, and may be free of charge depending on your age, location and vaccination history.
Who shouldn’t be vaccinated against measles?
Because the measles vaccine contains a small amount of the live virus, there are some people who should not be vaccinated. This includes:
- infants under six months of age
- pregnant women
- people who are immunocompromised
- people with a history of anaphylaxis to any measles-containing vaccine (or its components).
The safety of these individuals depends on high rates of community immunisation, Professor Macartney said.
“This is why it’s so important we don’t have measles spreading around because there are individuals who cannot receive the vaccine and are more vulnerable to becoming ill.”
While immunisation rates remain high in Australia, they have slightly decreased in recent years, and remain below the World Health Organization target rate of 95 per cent.
It’s also important to note that while infants aged 6–12 months are not routinely recommended for vaccination, those travelling overseas to places where measles is circulating can safely be given a pre-travel dose. They will still require another two doses later.
What if I’ve been exposed to measles?
If you think you’ve been exposed to measles, you should monitor for symptoms, especially if you aren’t fully vaccinated, and seek medical care if you become unwell.
If you plan on attending a healthcare facility, call ahead so you can be isolated on arrival (and avoid spreading the virus to others).
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, and sore or red eyes, which can develop 7 to 18 days after exposure.
“What happens is the fever comes up before the rash … and you’re contagious at that point, so people often don’t realise it could be measles and that’s where the spread of the virus occurs,” Professor Macartney said.
As a precaution, it’s a good idea to avoid anyone who might be at risk of serious illness, including infants, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system, until 18 days after your exposure.
“For people who have a reduced immune system, there’s also the possibility of getting an antibody immunoglobulin injection if they’ve been exposed, and that can help them to reduce getting measles,” Professor Macartney said.
Similarly, an immunoglobulin injection or measles vaccine can sometimes be administered after exposure to people who are undervaccinated, but needs to be done within a few days of exposure.
Prior to 1966, the measles virus circulated widely in the community and most people who lived during this time are assumed to have acquired immunity from natural infection.
Heads or Tails? Paper/Rock/Scissors? Russian Roulette?
Those born before 1966 – it seems your expendable as the authorities seems to believe all ALL Australians in that cohort were considered as “if you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up with fleas”
I’m pretty ancient an octogenarian and had measles when I was a young child..does that mean I’m safe from getting it again?