How long does it take to show signs of measles?
It usually takes 10 to 14 days for someone who has caught measles to start showing symptoms. If you have been near someone with confirmed measles, and don't know if you're immune, seek medical advice immediately and remain in quarantine at home.
I can’t remember if my whānau are immunised. How do I find out?
To find out what immunisations you've had already, check your Well Child/Tamariki Ora Health Book (“Plunket Book”). Your general practice will also have records of immunisations you have received at that practice and any records that have been transferred from previous practices.
People born from 2005 onwards have their immunisations recorded on the National Immunisation Register (NIR). People born before 2005 may have some immunisations given since 2005 (for example, immunisations that are given at school) recorded on the NIR. Your practice nurse or doctor will be able to tell you what immunisations you need.
If you can't find your records, vaccination is recommended. It is better to have 3 vaccinations than none at all.
Lots of people had measles when I was young. Is it really that serious?
Measles can cause serious complications including diarrhoea, ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), or, in rare cases, death.
During the current outbreak in New Zealand, about 30-40% of people who get measles are needing hospital treatment.
It is especially dangerous for babies and people with weakened immune systems. Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, early labour and low birth-weight babies.
The risk of complications is greater in children under 5 years.
Who is immune to measles?
People develop 99% immunity to measles if they are fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Adults aged 50 or older (born in New Zealand before 1969) are generally considered to be immune as there was no measles-containing vaccine until 1969. Before 1969, almost everyone caught the disease as a child.
If you have previously been diagnosed with measles, once you have recovered your body is protected from future measles.
I had the vaccination years ago. Will it still protect me?
If you have had two MMR vaccinations in the past you will almost certainly be protected. Some people had only one vaccination which may not be enough. If you are not sure, see your Medical Centre. You can have another.
My whānau had the mumps vaccination. Does this work for measles too?
The vaccination for measles is generally given as part of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. It is usually given at 15 months and 4 years. However, it can be given at any age.