Measles Vaccination and Travel

Measles vaccine first became available in Australia in 1968. It was a Measles only vaccine initially and then as a combined Measles Mumps vaccine in the early 80’s. The current vaccine (Measles/ Mumps/ Rubella or MMR) was started in 1989. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended as part of the childhood immunization schedule, the first at 12 months and the second as MMRV (chickenpox included) at 18 months.

Most people born before 1966 are likely to be naturally immune to the disease, that is, they have been exposed to the virus in childhood and have long term immunity. We can only give this as a guide and serological evidence might be sought if intending to be resident in a high-risk location such as Africa. Most individuals born between 1966 and 1980 have only had 1 dose of Measles vaccine. The accepted course is now 2. Males are more likely to be under vaccinated as women may have had a second dose as MMR vaccine for protection against Rubella. If MMR immunization has been missed during childhood, then 2 doses separated by a month should provide long term immunity.

Australia has been considered free of Measles transmission since 2014. Measles cases are still reported in individuals who have contracted the disease overseas. Our high immunization levels (>94%) do not provide an opportunity for further transmission. Should our level of immunization drop then Measles would again return to Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the global Measles eradication program, and we are now seeing resurgence of Measles in many different countries.

Measles is still common in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. There are ongoing large outbreaks in the Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

It isn’t just low-income countries which may experience serious Measles outbreaks. In 2022, 85 local cases of Measles were reported in a community outbreak in Ohio, USA. There was no link to international importation that could be identified. It was a reminder for health professionals to be aware of the risk of community transmission in un/ under vaccinated populations.