With nearly 7,000 vaccinations delivered since measles cases broke out in Northland and Queenstown two weeks ago, Health New Zealand is encouraging anyone not already vaccinated to make the most of weekend immunisation opportunities in their communities.

To date, there have been 10 cases of measles in Te Tai Tokerau | Northland, and one unrelated case in Queenstown, with both situations linked to separate overseas travel. In response, public health services and vaccination providers have ramped up their efforts to promote and deliver as many vaccinations as possible. This includes running pop-up and mobile clinics, in addition to general practices, vaccinating pharmacies and other health providers who continue to routinely deliver vaccinations to their communities.

“Thanks to these efforts, since cases were first reported on 26 September until now, health services nationally have delivered 6,807 doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, with 564 of these delivered by providers in Northland and 575 doses delivered in the Southern region,” says Dr Matt Reid, Public Health Medicine Specialist, National Public Health Service. “That compares to the 5,685 doses delivered nationally with 153 in Northland and 290 in the Southern districts at the same time last year. This is an increase of 20% nationally on last year.

“We thank everyone in the two affected regions and across the motu who has stepped up so far to go and get vaccinated, as well as all of the hard-working kaimahi across the healthcare system who have supported these vaccination efforts. That’s a great turn-out, but we still need more people to get vaccinated to ensure protection for all communities.

“With clinics available across the motu offering vaccinations to communities, including extra pop-up and mobile clinics stood up as part of the public health response, there’s no better time to go and get vaccinated,” Dr Reid says.

“Many sites, such as pharmacies and pop-up clinics are offering vaccinations over the weekend, which is another great option for people who are busy during the week.”

Dr Reid says with full MMR vaccination coverage nationally currently at 77.4% for children aged 0-18, and at 74.7% and 83.9% for the Northland and Southern districts respectively, we are still well below the 95% coverage needed help protect our communities and prevent future measles outbreaks.

“Measles remains a serious and highly contagious illness that can affect adults as well as children – but it is almost entirely preventable. The best protection against measles is to have two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age. The vaccine protects about 99% of people and has an excellent safety record. It is also free in New Zealand for anyone under the age of 18 years old, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare.”

Dr Reid says while it’s good news that neither region has reported any new measles cases over the past week, because measles infection can take time to appear, people are encouraged to remain vigilant for symptoms, and if they feel unwell, to stay at home and contact their healthcare provider, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice 24/7.

Measles symptoms include:

  • an illness that begins with high fever (over 38° C), cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • a rash, beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.

Vaccinations