Measles vaccination program will target WA adults
Thousands of WA adults will be offered a free measles vaccine after a dangerous surge in measles in the past year.
Thousands of WA adults will be offered a free measles vaccine before the Easter and school holidays, after a dangerous surge in measles in the past year.
In a rare step targeting vaccination at adults rather than children, the State Government will fund indefinitely an adult measles vaccination program at a cost of almost $100,000 a year.
It will be offered to people aged between 20 and their early 50s — or those born after 1965 — who may have lost their immunity.
Older people are usually immune because they had measles as a child, while people aged under 20 already have access to free childhood vaccines.
Sixteen cases of measles have been reported this year, compared with two cases at the same time last year.
There were 36 cases last year, the highest figure since 2014 when there were 44 cases. Almost three-quarters of the cases were in people aged 20 to 49. Most cases were imported from other countries where measles is still rife, including Asian tourist hotspots such as Bali.
Health Minister Roger Cook said the increasing number of measles cases was linked to international travel.
Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Easter break and school holidays when many families plan to travel overseas.
“Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral illness spread by tiny droplets released when infected people cough and sneeze,” Mr Cook said.
“Complications from measles can be serious and in about 10 per cent of cases result in pneumonia.
“Prevention of measles is simple, so I urge anyone who is not fully immunised against measles to take advantage of this free vaccination program, especially if you are planning a trip overseas. We want to stamp out measles and prevent future outbreaks in WA.”
People not sure whether they have had two doses of measles vaccine should see their doctor, immunisation provider or travel health immunisation clinic for the free vaccination. While the vaccine is free, there may be a fee for the consultation.
Parents are also urged to make sure their children receive their measles vaccinations at 12 and 18 months old.
Vaccination campaigner Catherine Hughes urged families to get fully vaccinated against measles.
“Given the measles outbreaks, taking unvaccinated children to a country like Indonesia could be a recipe for disaster,” she said.
Originally published as Measles vaccination program will target WA adults
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