Western Victoria Primary Health Network is partnering with the Grampians Public Health Unit (GPHU) and Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) to support primary care engagement with the Enhanced Measles Response Program.
Increased measles activity globally continues to elevate the risk of local incursions. Adults born between 1966 and 1992 are likely to have received only one measles vaccine in childhood and therefore remain under immunised. Clinicians are strongly encouraged to assess MMR vaccination status and provide free state-funded MMR vaccine to all adults born on or after 1966 who do not have two documented doses or are unsure of their immunity. It is safe to administer another MMR dose if a person has lost previous immunisation records.
Who is eligible?
Extra state funded MMR vaccine stock is available for:
- Adults aged 20–59 years (born during or after 1966) without documented evidence of two MMR doses
- Infants aged 6–11 months prior to overseas travel
- Includes people not eligible for Medicare
Vaccination is safe even if immunity is uncertain, and serology is not required before vaccination.
The live attenuated MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy or for individuals with severe immunocompromise.
How primary care practitioners can support the initiative
- Add statefunded MMR vaccine to your next fortnightly OneLink order, noting “Enhanced Measles Vaccination Response.”
- Opportunistically assess MMR status and offer catchup vaccination to eligible adults at routine appointments.
- Record all doses in AIR
Free MMR vaccinations can be provided by general practices, pharmacies, Aboriginal Health Services and local councils.
More information
- Victorian Department of Health – Measles information and downloadable communications toolkit.
- Grampians Public Health Unit – Measles information and downloadable resources.
- Barwon South West Public Health Unit – Measles information and resources.