12 December 2019
For immediate release
Don’t let measles ruin your holiday – make sure your whānau’s vaccinations are up to date
With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching, you may have an overseas trip planned and be counting down to
the day you jet off to an exotic location.
However, with measles currently spreading in popular holiday destinations there is cause for extra vigilance when
travelling overseas this summer.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says we are currently measles-free in Canterbury and we’d like to
keep it that way. People should avoid bringing unwanted illness back home from their holidays.
“If you’re travelling to Samoa, Tonga, the Philippines or Fiji and you’re aged under 50, check that your vaccinations
are up to date to prevent becoming unwell while on holiday, and risking bringing measles back to Canterbury.
“Measles vaccinations are free for those aged under 50 who are travelling to an area where there is a measles outbreak.
Current outbreak regions can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website,” says Dr Pink.
Over the Christmas and New Year break many friends and relatives will visit our region, so it is important to make sure
your whānau and those visiting are immunised too.
Dr Pink says vaccination is the best protection against measles.
“This is especially important for children who haven’t had their MMR vaccinations - scheduled at 15 months and four
years. These children, and those travelling to an area where this is an outbreak are currently top priority for
vaccination,” says Dr Pink.
As the measles vaccination takes up to two weeks to provide protection, don’t leave it until the last minute. Call your
general practice team and check whether you and your family are all up to date with your vaccinations before you travel
this summer.
Anyone with measles symptoms or who believes they may have been exposed, can contact their usual general practice 24/7
for additional advice, no matter where they are. If people call their GP team after hours they can be put through to a
nurse who can provide free health advice and advise what to do.
ENDS