Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) Vaccination Campaign

By Heidi Genever | Posted: Wednesday March 17, 2021

Malo e lelei; Talofa lava; Kia orana; Fakaalofa lahi atu; Talofa; Malō ni; Ni sa bula Vinaka;Tēnā Koutou Katoa Parents, Caregivers, Students and Staff

Currently there is a national campaign aimed at 15–30-year-olds to get up to date with their Measles vaccination. The MMR vaccination provides protection against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Some young people and adults now aged 15 years and over may not be fully immunised against Measles.

In 2019, more than 2,000 New Zealanders got sick with Measles and more than 700 needed hospital treatment. Measles is more contagious than COVID-19. When international travel starts back up, this will leave us at risk of outbreaks from diseases like Measles. We have an opportunity to protect ourselves against Measles by being vaccinated. Immunisation is a great way to provide protection to yourself, your whanau and your community.

To check if you child is up to date with their vaccinations, we recommend you first check their Well Child book. The free MMR vaccination is available at your GP and participating pharmacies. If you would like further advice and support to get the free vaccine, please contact your school’s Public Health Nurse.

Please consider this opportunity to increase the protection against Measles in our community. Please find attached further information about the Measles campaign.

Thank you for your consideration.

Heidi Genever
Public Health Nurse
Te Punaka Oraka: Public Health Nursing Southern District Health Board

Victoria Bryant
Charge Nurse Manager
Te Punaka Oraka: Public Health Nursing Southern District Health Board