Get Your Measles Vaccine Now

With the reopening of the borders, respiratory viruses such as Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) pose a threat to our communities, and getting vaccinated is the quickest and most effective way to strengthen your immune system against these infections.

Did you know that Measles is 8 times more contagious than COVID-19? It is a highly infectious condition that can be life-threatening for children and adults. It can lead to complications in pregnancy and affect the unborn baby.

The MMR vaccine is FREE for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, and the doses should be taken with an interval of at least 28 days apart. Protecting yourself can help reduce the spread of these dangerous and contaminating diseases to your whānau, friends and community.

What's the criteria, and who should get an MMR vaccine?

• Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 months of age and the second one at 15 months of age;
• Anyone born after 1st Jan 1969 who haven’t had Measles (or MMR) vaccines before or are unsure about it;
• If you are a close contact with a vulnerable person.

What are the symptoms and their complications?

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after its transmission and include:

• Skin rash
• High Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Inflamed Eyes
• Sore throat

Up to 30% of people with Measles will develop complications, which might include:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Seizures
• Diarrhoea
• Bronchitis
• Swelling of the brain

Diagnosis:

• If necessary, a blood test or a nasal swab can be taken, but it is usually possible to be confirmed based on a physical exam.

The vaccine should not be given to:

• Pregnant women should not take it, and becoming pregnant should be avoided for one month after the shot;
• Anyone who has severe weakness of the immune system;
• Anyone who had a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis) to a previous MMR dose or a component of this vaccine;
• People who have received another live injected vaccine within the previous four weeks.

Where can I get vaccinated?

• All our 40+ clinics can offer MMR vaccinations.
• For your convenience, many of our clinics are open from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days per week. Two clinics operate 24/7;
• You don't need to make an appointment. However, with our White Cross clinics, we advise calling first as they mostly deal with accident and emergency cases and have to take more urgent cases first.
• Simply click on the Local Doctors logo on the top of your screen to find the clinic nearest to you;
• All our clinics have special safety procedures in place.

If you or a family member feels unwell, stay home and avoid contact with others out of your bubble because it is highly transmissible. The vaccine is efficient and helps prevent a new outbreak in the country.

If you're unsure about your vaccine record, talk to your nurse or GP to confirm you're up to date with your immunisation. Join us to help reduce the spread of the virus in the community.