Communicable disease control
Measles vaccine campaign
Measles doesn’t wait. Neither should you.
Book your measles vaccine here.
Measles cases are rising in Melbourne and overseas. Measles can make people very sick, especially young children and adults. Many adults are not fully protected. You need two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) to stay safe.
To learn more about supporting the campaign and your community – click here.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness.
Measles in Melbourne
There is an increase in measles cases in Melbourne. Protect yourself with a measles (MMR) vaccine to stop the virus from spreading to your family, friends, and community.
MMR vaccine
The best way to protect yourself, friends, and community is to receive a free vaccine if you don’t have record of two MMR vaccines or you don’t know.
This is important if:
- you were born in Australia and are aged 20-59
- you were born overseas.
This is because you may have only had one MMR vaccine as a child.
How to get a measles (MMR) vaccine
Local pharmacy
Book HERE at a participating local pharmacy for a free vaccine if you are aged 20–59. It is already free for ages 5–19.
GP clinic
Call your GP to make an appointment. The vaccine is free from 6 months to 59 years.
Council clinics
Local councils provide free childhood vaccines to all children. Some local councils offer free MMR vaccines for adults. Check first by visiting your local council website.
Current alerts
There has been local spread of measles linked to travel, including at Melbourne Airport and on international flights. Stay up to date on local measles activity in your area: Measles public exposure sites in Victoria.
Questions about the MMR vaccine
I’m not sure if I’ve had two MMR vaccines. What should I do?
You are protected if your Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) shows two MMR doses. You can check your record in MyGov under Medicare immunisations.
If you are not sure, it is safe to have another dose.
If you have not had two doses, book your MMR vaccine now.
Is it safe to have an extra MMR vaccine?
Yes. If you are not sure how many doses you have had, it is safe to have another MMR vaccine.
Do children and adults under 20 years still need MMR vaccine?
Children get two MMR vaccine doses at 12 months and 18 months as part of routine vaccinations. If a child is travelling overseas, they can have an extra dose from 6 months of age. Teenagers and adults up to 59 years old are strongly advised to have two documented MMR doses.
Contact
Call the Western Public Health Unit on 1800 497 111 Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm.
Last updated: 1 April 2026