Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms, a skin rash and fever.
In the past, measles was a common childhood illness in Australia. Most people born before 1966 would have been infected with measles as a child and are likely to be immune.
However, measles is still common in many parts of the world. There have been reported increases in measles cases across Australia in 2024 and 2025.
The Victorian Government have been regularly issuing health alerts across February on cases of measles in recently returned overseas travelers with current public exposure sites reported in Melbourne suburbs.
Measles vaccination coverage in Australia is below the 95% national target and the most recent measles cases in Victoria have occurred in people who have not had two doses of the measles (MMR) vaccine.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles.
Due to changes in vaccinations schedules, many Victorians aged 20-59 may only have received one dose of the measles vaccine in childhood and may be susceptible to measles.
If you have not had two doses of the measles (MMR) vaccine, or are unsure of your vaccination status, the health advice from the Victorian government is to get vaccinated for measles.
In Victoria, a voucher program has been setup to make the MMR vaccine free all people aged 20-59 who have not received two documented doses of valid MMR vaccine.
No Medicare card is required to access the free MMR vaccine voucher program.
Simply enter your postcode, select your nearest Community Care Chemist and add your details to get your free MMR vaccine voucher code.
Vaccination services are available at all our pharmacies across Geelong:
Please note, if you are still unsure of your vaccination status again measles, it is safe to receive the measles-containing vaccine more than twice.
You can register for your free MMR voucher and visit your nearest Community Care Chemist for a catch-up MMR vaccine if you’re not fully vaccinated or are unsure if you are immune.
This article compiled from information from Better Health Victoria, Victorian Department of Health, The Vaccination Hub and ABC News.
