KidsHealth measles animation. Transcript [1].
Immunisation 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.
Having immunisation on time is the only way to prevent measles.
If you're unsure about whether your child has had their MMR immunisation, check with your:
If you're still not sure, your child can have their the MMR vaccine anyway. It's safe to get 2 doses again.
Combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunisation is the only vaccine available to prevent measles in New Zealand.
You usually need to take pēpi and tamariki to a GP practice for their immunisation.
Some pēpi and tamariki can have their immunisation from other services like Māori or Pacific providers or outreach services.
Check immunisation providers in your area [3].
Two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is 99% effective in preventing measles.
Tamariki need 2 doses of MMR - a first dose at 12 months of age and a second dose at 15 months of age.
Pēpi and tamariki who have not had their MMR immunisation are at greatest risk of the disease.
Pēpi aged 6 to 11 months can have their MMR immunisation 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 immunisation tends not to work as well in young babies.
Many teens and young adults have missed one or both doses of MMR and may not be aware that they are not protected against measles. Check whether you're up to date with your MMR immunisation with your GP practice.
Tamariki with an allergy to egg CAN have MMR.
The following people should not have MMR immunisation:
Book another time for your child's MMR if they have a sudden severe illness with high fever. Having a minor infection is not a reason to delay immunisation.
If you find out you are pregnant after having MMR immunisation, talk to your family doctor. But, research has found no injury to the unborn child when women have had MMR immunisation without realising they were pregnant.
The risk of MMR causing serious harm is extremely rare. MMR is considerably safer than getting measles.
Read about measles complications vs MMR immunisation side effects [7].
No.
It can cause a very mild, non-infectious rash about 5 to 12 days after immunisation.
No.
Extensive research shows there is no evidence that MMR causes autism.
No.
See the Immunisation Advisory Centre's quick answers to frequent MMR questions [8].
Watch Dr Hina Luti answer your questions about the measles vaccine (Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora video)
Measles [10]. Immunisation Advisory Centre, University of Auckland.
Immunisation Handbook 2020 (measles chapter) [11]. Wellington: Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora.
This page last reviewed 27 March 2023.
Email us [17] your feedback
Links
[1] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/transcript-measles-immunisation-animation
[2] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/measles
[3] https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/immunisation/
[4] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/sites/kidshealth/files/images/Measles%20children.png
[5] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/15-30-protect-yourself-your-wh%C4%81nau-measles
[6] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/sites/kidshealth/files/images/Measles%20Catch%20Up.png
[7] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/measles-complications-vs-side-effects-mmr-vaccine
[8] https://www.immune.org.nz/factsheets/quick-answers-to-frequent-mmr-questions
[9] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/tags/immunisation
[10] https://www.immune.org.nz/diseases/measles
[11] https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/immunisation-handbook-2020/12-measles
[12] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1512?language=zh-hant
[13] https://info.health.nz/immunisations/when-to-immunise/immunisation-schedule/
[14] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1514?language=zh-hant
[15] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1518?language=zh-hant
[16] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1556?language=zh-hant
[17] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F513%3Flanguage%3Dzh-hant