Check your family is protected from Measles
Following an outbreak of Measles in Northland, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board urges parents and caregivers to check
that their family members are protected from the disease.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Caroline McElnay said that there had been a large outbreak in Northland and with school
holidays beginning there was a chance it could spread to other regions.
Measles has the potential to make children very sick for one to two weeks, with the symptoms including high fever,
hacking cough, red eyes, running nose and a rash. A number of rash-causing illnesses can appear to be very similar to
measles including meningococcal disease.
“One measles injection is good but two are better - two measles injections give 90-95% protection from measles.” she
said
It is estimated that 90 to 95 per cent of people are protected from Measles once they have had both doses.
Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is free and can be given to children from 12 months of age and any adult under
the age of 40 who wants it.
Anyone concerned about Measles should phone their GP or Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice before they bring their child
to a busy waiting room.
ENDS