The measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine should be given to those who are not immune, or where you are unsure of their status.
At 9 April 2025, WA has recorded 13 measles cases since 19 March, with some being reported as active in the community. Current advice for WA clinicians (at 10 April 2024) is available here.
Measles vaccination rates for two-year-olds in WA have recently decreased to 91 per cent; to achieve community immunity and prevent outbreaks, at least 95 per cent of a population needs to be vaccinated.
It is important to review your patients’ immunisation history and provide catch-up vaccines when needed.
Funded measles vaccines:
- Measles combination vaccine is provided at no cost under the National Immunisation Program for children aged 12 months and 18 months.
- A state funded adult measles vaccination program is available for Western Australians born after 1965 who have not already received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Practices can order the state funded MMR vaccine through Onelink, following the same process as for other vaccines.
- Free catch-up immunisations are available through the National Immunisation Program for:
- People who are aged under 20 years without evidence of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
- Refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.
For more information including early vaccination for children, contraindications and precautions see the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
More measles resources for health professionals, practices and patients:
- Vaccine Update 420 – Perth Metro and South West Measles Alert
- Measles warning for Western Australians travelling over Easter – 9 April 2025
- Adult measles vaccination program
- Measles: The Australian Immunisation Handbook
- WA Health: Measles poster – Call before entering or use mask
- WA Health: Measles poster – Could this patient have measles triage for GPs
- Healthy WA website: Measles information for patients
- Healthy WA website: How to check your immunisation records
Prof. Paul Effler, Senior Medical Advisor at the Communicable Disease Control Directorate at WA Department of Health will discuss funded measles vaccinations available in WA at WA Primary Health Alliance’s Immunisation – Winter Wellness webinar on Thursday 10 April 2025 at 5.00pm.