As you are most likely aware, there has been an outbreak of measles in Melbourne with another four cases confirmed during the past week. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever and can lead to more serious, sometimes fatal complications.
Measles is rare due to the widespread use of the measles vaccine but there is a risk of the virus being brought in to our society by people arriving from or returning from overseas.
As a result of this outbreak, we all need to know our measles status.
Immunisation is the best protection against measles. If you have received the two recommended doses of measles vaccine you will have 99 percent immunity against the measles infection. If you have previously been infected with measles you will usually have lifelong immunity.
If you are unsure of your measles status, you can either have a measles vaccine or a blood test to determine your immunity but it is important that you discuss this with your doctor.
See below for additional information regarding measles:
You can also call us on (03) 5996 4799 if you have any queries at all.