Measles: It’s time to close the immunity gap before borders reopen

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VACCINES

Measles: It’s time to close the immunity gap before borders reopen

By Andrea Teahan
Baby with measles by Jim Goodson
Among the worst affected in recent measles outbreaks have been young infants [Image: Jim Goodson]

This article was updated on 1 March 2023. Click here

Timely administration of vaccinations is the best way to reduce the burden of infectious disease in Aotearoa and provides effective defence against viruses such as measles

Key points, International travellers could potentially bring measles into Aotearoa when the borders reopen. Those with an unreliable vaccination history are mos, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
References

1. Turner N. A measles epidemic in New Zealand: Why did this occur and how can we prevent it occurring again? N Z Med J 2019;132(1504):8–12.

2. Guerra FM, Bolotin S, Lim G, et al. The basic reproduction number (R0) of measles: a systematic review. Lancet Infect Dis 2017;17(12):e420–28.

3. Ministry of Health. Communicable Disease Control Manual: Measles. January 2021. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/communicable-disease-control-manual/measles

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global Measles Outbreaks. 8 February 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/data/global-measles-outbreaks.html

5. CDC. Global Progress Against Measles Threatened Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic. 10 November 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1110-measles-progress.html