Measles vaccinations helped eliminate the virus in Australia, which has helped protect vulnerable people such as newborn babies.
In 1960s Australia, the nation was swept up in rapid change—Beatlemania electrified crowds, television transformed family life, and social movements gained momentum in areas such as women’s rights and the 1967 referendum.
Amid this cultural shift, the introduction of a new vaccine marked a breakthrough in public health, beginning the fight against one of the world’s most contagious diseases—measles.
The height of success was five decades later in 2014 when government vaccination programs culminated in the elimination of the virus in Australia, meaning there was no longer ongoing local transmission of measles infection or outbreaks.
This was a significant win for public health – but unfortunately, today, we are steadily going backwards as vaccination coverage rates fall below 95 per cent, and the risk of measles making a comeback is real.
Maintaining high rates of vaccination in the community affords protection for those who are too young to be vaccinated or have a condition that prevents them from being vaccinated.
However, as vaccination rates decline and measles cases increase elsewhere, the chances of those who are not immune being exposed to measles and becoming unwell increases.
Australia is currently experiencing higher numbers of imported cases of measles in overseas visitors and residents returning from overseas, and the potential for local outbreaks is a real concern.
Most of this year’s measles cases have been recorded in unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated adults aged 20 to 49 years. As of 14 May 2025, Australia has recorded 72 measles cases this year, already surpassing the total for 2024. Two of those cases were in recently returned travellers to Queensland.
Measles is highly infectious –a single case has the potential to infect up to 18 other unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated people.
Vaccination is the best course of action to protect yourself from measles.
What are the signs and symptoms of measles?
Measles typically begins with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose and/or red sore eyes.
These symptoms usually become more severe over three days. The cough is often worse at night, and the affected person may wish to avoid light because of sore eyes.
At this stage of the illness, there may be small white spots on the inside of the cheek.
A blotchy, dark red rash that frequently begins at the hairline and on the face will usually appear. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the rash spreads over the entire body. At this time, the person will generally feel very unwell. Typically, a fever is also present, and the person feels most unwell during the first couple of days after the rash appears. The rash usually disappears after around six days.
How is measles treated?
There is no specific treatment for measles, however, rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol to reduce pain or fever is recommended. Do not use aspirin for treating fever in children.
What complications can arise from measles?
In some cases, measles can be fatal due to complications, with deaths possible mainly in children under five years of age, particularly from pneumonia, and occasionally from encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Measles can also cause lasting disability, such as hearing loss, as well as make people more vulnerable to other illnesses.
How can the spread of measles be controlled?
People with measles should not attend work, school or childcare for at least four days after the appearance of the rash and they have recovered.
People who have been in contact with a person who has measles and have not been vaccinated against measles or have a condition that compromises their immune system, should not attend school and childcare for 14 days from the day the rash appeared in the original person diagnosed with measles.
An unvaccinated person who receives the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours of their first contact with the original person with measles, may return to childcare, school or work, provided they are well.
How contagious is measles?
The measles virus is highly contagious. An infectious person can spread the virus through coughing and sneezing, or direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
A person may be infectious from about five days before the onset of the rash until about four days after the rash appears.
The time from contact with the virus until onset of symptoms is about 10 days but can be anywhere between 7 to 18 days.
How do I protect myself from getting measles?
Vaccination is the best protection against measles.
Protection against measles is given as a combined MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine depending on age. Two doses are needed to provide a high level of protection.
Immunisation against measles is recommended as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Measles vaccination is funded for:
- all children at both 12 months and 18 months of age
- all people born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, particularly healthcare workers, childhood educators and carers, people who work in long-term care facilities or correctional facilities, and people who plan on travelling overseas.
- Travellers aged less than 12 months, or infants aged over 6 months travelling to areas where measles is endemic, or where measles outbreaks are occurring (both overseas and in Australia).
Women planning on getting pregnant should discuss whether they should be vaccinated against measles with their doctor. If so, they should be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine at least 28 days before becoming pregnant or immediately after the birth of the baby.
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are minor, last a short time and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Possible side effects of the MMR vaccine may include discomfort where the injection was given, fever, a fine red rash which is not infectious, drowsiness and tiredness.
Contact your usual healthcare provider, general practitioner, or hospital if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination which you consider serious or unexpected.
How do you know if you’ve previously received the measles vaccination?
You can check your immunisation history through:
- Your Medicare online account via myGov
- The Express Plus Medicare app
- Your GP or childhood health records
If you're unsure or can't find your records, it's safe to receive another MMR dose—there's no harm in being re-vaccinated. It is important for all eligible people to have received 2 doses of a measles vaccine.
Where can I get the vaccination in Queensland?
In Queensland, the MMR vaccine is free for eligible individuals and available through:
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Community health clinics (council and nursing led clinics)
- Other immunisation service providers including some child health clinics
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services
- Some pharmacies and immunisation clinics
For more information about measles vaccination visit Vaccination Matters. You can contact your local health service or check the Queensland Health website for vaccination locations near you.