Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) is aiming to prevent further spread of measles, a virus that had previously been eliminated in Australia.
BSWPHU launched a targeted measles (MMR) vaccination campaign throughout the Barwon South West region as imported cases and local transmission are being reported, including among people who have not travelled overseas.
People who haven’t had two doses of measles vaccine are at risk of infection.
The risk of measles is higher for people travelling internationally who are not immune. Adults aged 20 to 59 who were born in Australia, as well as adults born overseas, may be under-vaccinated due to past childhood immunisation schedules in Australia and other countries not always including the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your community,” BSWPHU public health physician Dr Akhtar Hussain said.
“It not only prevents us from becoming unwell but also reduces the risk of spreading measles to others.”
BSWPHU is partnering with the Victorian Department of Health and local public health units across the state to provide free catch-up MMR vaccinations at participating pharmacies.
“This initiative improves access to vaccination across the Barwon South West region and the community can now have access to MMR vaccine closer to their home or workplace,” Dr Hussain said.
“Medicare card is not required and the MMR vaccine is free for everyone.”
“l was about five or six when l caught measles,” Thomson resident Shane Gray, 61, said.
“Back then nobody got vaccinated for measles and I remember breaking out in little spots and feeling as crook as a dog. I also believe it set me up for more disease that followed as my immune system was down.
“Once l caught measles, over a short time l then caught chicken pox, mumps, gastro and the flu making me seriously unwell for a long period of time.
To those that aren’t sure if they’ve been fully vaccinated, I’d recommend getting a free vaccination today.”
To book a free MMR vaccination, visit mmr.thevaccinationhub.com.au
