Measles prevention and protection messaging for events and gatherings

• The role of public health services regarding events and large gatherings is to provide advice and support to event organisers and attendees about how they can reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and to prepare for and reduce other public health risks.
• Advice provided may differ depending on the circumstances, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to each situation.
• We will always provide advice that balances the need to protect human health and to stop highly contagious and serious diseases like measles from spreading, while allowing people to enjoy events and gatherings where the public health risk is low and it’s safe to do so.
• Those responsible for organising events or managing places where people gather, such as festivals and events, are ultimately responsible for making their own decisions about whether to close, limit access or remain open after considering public health advice and the wellbeing of participants.
• We also encourage anyone planning to attend events who is unwell, including with measles symptoms, to not attend, and to stay home and seek public health advice.

Aotearoa New Zealand is in the middle of an ongoing serious measles outbreak, with cases in many communities around the country.

Measles is a serious illness that is highly contagious and spreads very easily between people and can make you seriously unwell. It affects both children and adults.

Before attending events, we encourage people to check their measles immunity status. You can check your status:

• in My Health Record
• in your online GP portal, for example, Manage my Health
• by calling the Vaccination Helpline 0800 28 29 26 or your health provider

You can also visit Health Information and Services for more information.

Check your measles immunity (external link)

If you are not immune, the best protection is to have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months old. This protects 99% of people from measles.

Avoid going to large gatherings

If you are sick or show signs of symptoms stay home and seek healthcare advice from your doctor, healthcare provider, Hauora Māori provider or Pacific health provider. You can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime for free advice and support.

If you are not immune to measles and measles is currently circulating in your area,carefully consider if you need to attend. This is because measles can spread easily to anyone who is not immune.

Seek medical assistance immediately and follow any health advice if you:

• become unwell during the event
• are concerned about someone else.

You may need to return home and isolate from others. 

You can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice and support.

Public Health Services continue to work routinely with event organisers to:

• provide up to date information and advice about public health risks, such as measles outbreaks
• support them to make informed decisions based on the best available advice at the time.

During this current outbreak, we have for example, been working with organisers of large events such as the Te Mana Kuratahi Kapa Haka competition event in Tauranga. 

We also continue to encourage and support organisers to:

• share relevant information with attendees 
• get in touch with our regional public health teams if they have any questions, concerns or need advice.