A new adult vaccination program has been announced for Western Australians born in or after 1966 who have not already received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
The number of measles cases in WA has been increasing in recent years, with 36 reported in 2018 – the highest figure since 2014 when 44 measles cases were confirmed. Of those 36 infections last year, nearly three-quarters (73%) occurred among people aged 20 to 49 years of age. So far, 13 cases have been reported in 2019.
The program addresses an important gap in the community’s protection against measles, as people born prior to 1966 are usually immune to measles due to having the illness as a child and people 19 years of age and younger are already eligible for free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine through the National Immunisation Program.
Learn more about the MMR vaccine.
What do I need to do?
If you were born in or after 1966, it is recommended that you:
- Review your vaccination records to determine if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine in the past. You can also access the Australian Immunisation Register through your MyGov account to review your vaccination records.
- If you’re unsure of your immunisation status or haven’t received the two doses of the MMR vaccine in the past, arrange an appointment at the Curtin Health Service or your chosen health provider to receive the required doses of the free MMR vaccine.
- Parents are also urged to make sure their children receive the MMR vaccine on schedule at 12 and 18 months of age.
Who can I contact for further information?
Please contact Curtin’s Health Service on (08) 9266 7345.
