Travellers reminded to ensure they have had two measles vaccinations

Travellers are being urged to ensure they’ve had their two measles vaccines prior to travelling overseas.

North Metropolitan Health Service Medical Director of Communicable Diseases Dr Ben Scalley said many people are not aware that two doses of a measles are needed to ensure effective protection against measles for life.

Measles is currently on the rise overseas and adults born after 1965 can receive their vaccines through the State-funded adult measles vaccination program. Those born before 1965 are presumed to have been exposed to measles as children and have lifelong immunity.

Dr Scalley emphasised the seriousness of measles, suggesting it is often sometimes underestimated.

“Measles is a serious condition with 1 in 3 cases in WA requiring hospitalisation,” he said.

“A lot of people think of it as a mild childhood disease but it’s a significant disease. A common theme across cases of measles that we follow up on is that patients often feel the sickest they have ever felt.”

Adults who are eligible, can receive the measles vaccines from their GP, Aboriginal Medical Service travel clinic or community health immunisations clinics.

The WA Health service search can be used to find immunisation locations.

For more information on the State-funded adult measles vaccination program visit the WA Health website.