A spike in measles cases has prompted a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinating against the highly infectious disease.
There have already been 83 confirmed measles cases in Australia this year – compared to 103 for the whole of last year and 81 in 2017.
“I am concerned about the recent increases in measles cases in Australia and want to make sure our community is well protected against this very serious disease,” Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said.
“Immunisation saves lives. The measles vaccine is very effective at protecting lives. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for full protection.”
Mr Hunt said 93.5% of 2 year old children had received two doses of measles vaccine, which means they are protected against the disease.
“However, we know we need 95% of our community vaccinated to achieve community immunity, to help prevent the spread of measles,” he said.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. A rare but potentially serious complication of the disease is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Australian children are given the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months, with a second dose given at 18 months of age.
All Australians are urged to check their measles immunisation history.
Anyone planning to go overseas and those born between 1966 and 1994 (some of whom have only had one dose of the vaccine) are at higher risk.
Measles vaccines are free for all individuals up to the age of 19 years. Most states also provide vaccines at no cost to some groups.
Following the recent spike of measles cases, the federal government has commissioned the Australian Academy of Science to work with measles experts to develop materials to raise awareness about measles, including the importance of being fully vaccinated.
Unvaccinated travellers, who risk spreading the disease throughout the community, are among those targeted by the predominately online campaign.
Videos will roll out in the coming weeks.
