A-Z of Public Health Topics
Measles
Measles spreads very easily and can make you very sick. Two doses of the MMR vaccine will keep you safe. To stop serious illness from measles, get vaccinated.
Look out for measles symptoms
If you feel sick and think it could be measles — especially if you have travelled overseas — call ahead to your GP to get a test.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Sore and red eyes
- Rash (red spots on the skin)
Measles (MMR) vaccine
The best way to protect yourself, friends, and community is to get a free vaccine, if you haven’t had two doses or you are not sure.
You may have only had one MMR vaccine when you were a child if:
- you were born in Australia and are aged 20-59
- you were born overseas.
Since the mid-1990s, children get two measles vaccine doses.
- The first dose is given
- The second dose is given at 18 months old.
- If a child is travelling overseas, they can have an extra dose from 6 months of age.
How to get a measles vaccine
Local pharmacy
You can get a measles vaccine for FREE through a local participating pharmacy. WPHU have partnered with over 55 local pharmacies to deliver the MMR vaccine for free if you are aged 20-59. The vaccine is already free for anyone aged 5-19. Click HERE to find out more about how to get your free vaccine.
GP clinic
You can call your GP to make an appointment for an MMR vaccine. The vaccine is free from 6 months to 59 years.
Council clinics
Local councils provide free childhood vaccines. Some local councils offer free MMR vaccines for adults. Check your local council website to find out more.
Information for clinicians
Clinicians are recommended to offer the MMR vaccine to anyone aged 12 months and over without documented evidence of two doses, especially those planning overseas travel. Offer state-funded MMR vaccine to infants from 6 months to 11 months of age prior to overseas travel.
Consider displaying a poster in your waiting room and at the front desk to raise awareness and identify patients early – see links below.
Be alert for measles in any patients with fever and rash, irrespective of travel history. Test, isolate and notify suspected measles cases immediately by calling 1300 651 160. Additional information for clinicians, including about notification of suspected cases, is available on the Department of Health website.
Measles alerts
There is currently local spread of measles in Melbourne, linked to international travel. Stay up to date on local measles activity in your area: Measles public exposure sites in Victoria.
Western Public Health Unit measles campaign
In response to rising measles cases overseas and in Melbourne, adult catch-up vaccination initiatives are being coordinated across the state, in partnership with the Victorian Department of Health, to increase MMR vaccination rates. Click here to learn more.
Contact
For any queries contact the Western Public Health Unit on 1800 497 111 Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm.
Last updated: 04 March 2026