WellSouth, the primary health organisation (PHO) for Otago and Southland, is asking the Southern community to be prepared against a measles outbreak and get immunised.

They are asking people across Otago and Southland who are not immunised against measles to contact their general practice (GP) or visit their local pharmacy to arrange a vaccination.

The PHO is vigilant after a person in the North Island with measles travelled and attended group events with people from other regions.

WellSouth Primary Health Network CEO Andrew Swanson-Dobbs said even without a confirmed case in Otago, we need to be prepared, especially when we consider how much more travel there has been with the recent school holidays.

WellSouth’s clinical director Dr Carol Atmore said measles is highly contagious and can make adults and children very, very sick.

“Measles is much more contagious than Covid-19, and much easier to catch. If you are 54 years old or younger, it’s important that you find out if you have had your two vaccination shots to protect you against measles. 

“Dig out your old Plunket book or WellChild Tamariki Ora book if you aren’t sure, ask your parents, or ask your GP or local pharmacy to check.

“If you are not sure, we recommend you have a measles vaccination now. If you are 54 or older, measles was widespread in the community back then, and you are considered immune. But, check that your younger whānau are immunised.”

“In the last measles outbreak in New Zealand four years ago, one in three people who caught measles were so unwell they needed to be in hospital. So, protect yourselves and your families. We all need to do our bit to keep our whole community safe.”

The measles vaccination comes from a combined measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

It is free for everyone under 18 years old, it does not matter what your visa or citizenship status is. It is also free for those over 18 who are eligible for free health care in New Zealand.

Your GP and most pharmacies are able to check immunisation records and eligibility for a free dose and many community pharmacies can also give you the MMR on the spot.

The MMR vaccine is given as part of the National Immunisation Schedule at ages 12 and 15 months.

WellSouth information about symptoms of measles versus Covid-19. PHOTO: Supplied  

Additional information can be found here: Southern Measles Campaign » WellSouth