25 May 2016

Measles update – Good response to vaccination clinics, but number of immunised still too low to stop spread in Northland.

Immunisation coverage in Northland teenagers still too low to stop spread of measles

Dr Clair Mills, Medical Officer of Health at Northland DHB, strongly advises Northlanders to ensure their families are protected from measles. There have now been six confirmed cases of measles notified in Northland, with further cases expected.

“Historically vaccination coverage in Northland has been low. This means that only about 60% of our teenagers are fully vaccinated against measles with 2 MMR doses. 95% coverage is needed to prevent community transmission of measles” said Dr Mills.

“90% of our current two year olds have had one MMR, but only 78% of five year olds have had the second dose of MMR usually given at age 4yrs. Older age groups have even lower rates.”

There has been a good response to the Northland DHB’s extra vaccination clinics offered in Kerikeri, around 300 MMR vaccines given to date and general practice are also seeing more people requesting MMR.

Dr Mills emphasised that immunisation is the best protection from this potentially serious disease.

One MMR dose will offer 90% protection. If you (or your child) have not been vaccinated or you don’t know if you have had 2 MMR doses, you should have one dose now. The second dose can be given within one month of the first.

Dr Mills said it’s better to get vaccinated now, rather than wait for more cases to be confirmed, “If there are cases in your child’s school, non-immune students will be asked to stay home for two weeks, this will have a huge impact on families and schools.”

“Measles can be a very serious illness, with one in three sufferers experiencing complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis or diarrhoea and on average 1 in 10 requiring finding themselves in hospital. This said, hospital admission rates in recent NZ outbreaks have been even higher.”

Measles is spread by tiny droplets in the air and is very infectious, easily spreading to those nearby. The first symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes) can be mistaken for a cold, with the rash (appearing on the face and neck and spreading over the body) three to five days later.

“This is an avoidable disease where there is an effective vaccine. Immunisation protects not only the individual, but also stops the spread of this disease within our communities.”

Unimmunised people who have had contact with a person with measles, will normally be advised to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after their contact.

“Anyone born before 1969 or who has received two doses of MMR can reasonably assume they are already immune.”

Dr Mills says anyone displaying symptoms of measles, which include fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, followed by a rash spreading from the head and neck over the body, should immediately telephone their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.

There is also a Northland DHB Measles Hotline 0800 222 030 for any queries related to measles or MMR vaccination.

Further information

What is measles?

• Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can be serious.

• It is spread from person to person through the air by breathing, sneezing or coughing. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can lead to infection if you are not immune.

Who is at risk of measles infection?

People are at risk of getting measles if they are not immune to measles. People who are regarded as not immune to measles are:

• People younger than 45 years old (born after 01 January 1969) who have not had two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine

• Infants under the age of 15 months who have not received their first routine dose of MMR vaccine. They are susceptible and rely on everyone else to be immune so that measles does not spread to them.

• Children over four years old who have not received their second dose of MMR.

What should you do?

• Ensure you are up to date with your immunisations.

• If you are not immune it is important to be aware of the symptoms of measles. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, sore red eyes and cough.

• After 3-5 days a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and head and then spreads down the body.

If you develop symptoms of measles:

• Stay at home and away from public places (such as sports events, gatherings, parties, school, work, child care, shopping centers, public transport and so on).

• See your doctor as soon as possible so a diagnosis can be confirmed. However, phone the surgery ahead to alert them of your symptoms and to allow them to make arrangements to assess you safely and without infecting other people.

• If you are unable to visit your GP phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.

ENDS

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