New measures to stop measles, vaccinating babies and more

There has recently been an increase in the number of reported cases of measles across Australia. Information in the Australian Immunisation Handbook regarding measles vaccination has now been updated. Key updates from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) include:

  • Recommendation of a measles containing vaccine for the following two groups:
    • children aged 12 months of age; and
    • adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 who have not received two doses of measles containing vaccines.

ATAGI also considers there is evidence to indicate that infants as young as six months of age can receive a measles containing vaccine ahead of travel to highly endemic areas and during outbreaks

These changes can be accessed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook. 

For more information on immunisation see the Immunisation – Childhood and Immunisation – Adult  health pathways.