08/11/2025
Measles has started to reappear in parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, and our communities are now at high risk of an outbreak.
Why this matters
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases - it spreads through the air when infected people breathe, cough or sneeze
You can catch measles just by being in a room where an infected person has been, even up to 2 hours later
It's much more infectious than COVID-19 or the flu - up to 90% of unvaccinated people close to a case will become infected.
Symptoms and risks
Know the signs
Watch for these symptoms:
High fever
Cough, runny nose, red eyes
Red, blotchy rash starting on the face
Feeling very unwell.
Serious health risks
Measles isn't just a childhood illness - it’s a severe disease that can affect adults too. It can cause:
Severe pneumonia
Brain swelling (encephalitis)
Long-term damage to your immune system
In some cases, death.
Even after recovery, measles weakens your immune system for several months afterwards, making you vulnerable to other infections.
Are you protected?
You may be at risk if you:
Were born between 1969-2004
Haven't had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
Are unsure of your vaccination status
Free MMR vaccination available at Pohutukawa Coast Pharmacy
Anyone aged 12 months or over are currently eligible to receive free MMR immunisations
There is no risk in getting an extra dose if you're unsure
Where you could find evidence of your immunity:
There are several ways you can try to find medical records for yourself, such as test results or immunisation records, to check your immunity to measles. It is recommended you discuss any results with your healthcare provider to make sure you interpret the results correctly.
Doctor or healthcare provider records
My Health Record
Childhood My Health Book
Laboratory results
Overseas immunisation records
