Measles vaccination animation
An animation obout protecting your child against measles.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
Protect your tamariki from measles - it can be very dangerous. Measles spreads faster than almost any other disease.
Measles can cause:
high fever
cough
runny nose
sore red eyes
a rash starting on the head and moving down the body.
Tamariki can get so sick that they need to go to hospital. Some children can die from measles.
Immunisation rates are low for all tamariki in Aotearoa. They are very low in Māori and Pasifika babies and children.
This means there is a real risk of measles spreading widely and affecting Māori and Pasifika tamariki the most.
Now's the time to protect tamariki. 2 doses of the measles vaccine gives the best protection.
If you're not sure whether your child has had measles immunisation, check with your Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse or your GP practice.
If you still don't know, it's safe for your child to get 2 doses again.
Measles immunisation is free from GP practices and Māori and Pacific immunisation providers.
Key points about measles vaccination
Aotearoa is at very high risk of a measles outbreak. Immunisation is the best protection.
- measles can be very dangerous
- measles spreads faster than almost any other illness
- immunisation is the only way to prevent measles
- pēpi (babies) need measles vaccination at 12 and 15 months
- measles vaccination is very important for Māori and Pasifika pēpi
Preventing measles
Vaccination rates are low for all tamariki in Aotearoa. They are very low in Māori and Pasifika pēpi and tamariki.
This means there is a real risk of measles spreading widely and affecting Māori and Pasifika tamariki the most.
Find out about measles.
MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles
Having vaccinations on time is the best way to prevent measles.
Unsure if your child has had MMR vaccination?
If you're unsure about whether your child has had their MMR vaccination, check with your:
- Well Child Tamariki Ora provider
- health professional
Still unsure? It's safe to get 2 doses again
If you're still not sure, your child can have the MMR vaccine anyway. It's safe to get 2 doses again.
MMR vaccine is the only vaccine to prevent measles in Aotearoa
Combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination is the only vaccine available to prevent measles in New Zealand.
Where to have measles vaccination
Pēpi and tamariki can get the MMR vaccination from their GP practice.
Some pēpi and tamariki can get their vaccination from other services like Māori or Pacific providers or outreach services.
Visit Healthpoint to find vaccination providers in your area.
Effectiveness of vaccination against measles
Two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is 99% effective in preventing measles.
Who should have MMR vaccination
Babies and children at 12 and 15 months
Tamariki need 2 doses of the MMR vaccine - a first dose at 12 months of age and a second dose at 15 months of age.
Babies and children 6 to 11 months during an outbreak
Pēpi and tamariki who have not had their MMR vaccination are at greatest risk of the disease.
Pēpi aged 6 to 11 months can have their MMR vaccination early if there is a high risk of exposure to measles (for example, during outbreaks).
Pēpi will still need MMR at 12 and 15 months because MMR vaccination may not work as well in young pēpi .
Teens and young adults
Many teens and young adults have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine and may not be protected against measles. Check whether you're up to date with your MMR vaccination with your health professional.
If you were born between 1989 and 2004, find out how you can protect yourself and your whānau from measles.
Protect Yourself & Your Whānau From Measles
Tamariki with egg allergy
Tamariki with an allergy to egg can have the MMR vaccine.
Who can't have the MMR vaccine
The following people can't have the MMR vaccine:
- pregnant women
- anyone who has an illness, or is taking medicines, which affect their immune system
- pēpi under 12 months of age (except during a measles outbreak)
- tamariki who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the MMR vaccine
- tamariki who have had another live vaccine, including chickenpox or BCG, within the previous month
Having a minor infection is not a reason to delay vaccination.
If you find out you are pregnant after having MMR vaccination, talk to your health professional. But, research has found no injury to the unborn child when women have had MMR vaccination without realising they were pregnant.
When to get more advice before having the MMR vaccine
The following people should talk to their health professional before getting the MMR vaccine:
- anyone who is unsure if they have an immune deficiency or is taking medicine to suppress their immune system
- anyone who has received human immunoglobulin or other blood product within the previous 11 months
- anyone who developed low platelets (idiopathic thrombocytopenia or ITP) after a previous dose of MMR
Safety of the MMR vaccine
The risk of the MMR vaccine causing serious harm is extremely rare. The MMR vaccine is far safer than getting measles.
Can the MMR vaccine cause measles?
No.
It can cause a very mild, non-infectious rash about 5 to 12 days after vaccination.
Can the MMR vaccine cause autism?
No.
Extensive research shows there is no evidence that the MMR vaccine causes autism.
Does the MMR vaccine contain thiomersal (or mercury)?
No.
Quick answers to frequent MMR questions
Watch Dr Hina Luti answer your questions about the measles vaccine.
Source: Ministry of Health
See the Immunisation Advisory Centre's quick answers to frequent MMR questions.
