Measles vaccine rollout begins in Melbourne’s West

Book your measles vaccine here.

Western Public Health Unit is warning people across Melbourne’s West to make sure they’re vaccinated against measles, as we’re now seeing local transmission of confirmed cases in the region. 

The Unit has launched its campaign “Measles doesn’t wait. Neither should you.” to encourage uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

Melbourne Airport is now among the list of exposure sites for the disease, with four cases of measles being detected there last month. One person was confirmed to have caught measles while at the airport and another on an international flight into Melbourne. Many more cases are directly linked to overseas travel. Local transmission is occurring. 

Most cases of measles in Melbourne’s West in the last year have arisen in people who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against measles. Measles cases have been rising over recent months and years, driven by global outbreaks and increased international travel.  

Measles is a highly contagious virus, and many adults remain under-protected, particularly people aged 20–59 and those born overseas. This is often because they have only had one dose of the measles (MMR) vaccine as a child. Many Victorians are not aware that two doses of MMR were not routine for children raised in Melbourne until the early 1990s. 

To make it easier for people to get protected against measles, Western Public Health Unit has partnered with local pharmacies, making two free doses of measles (MMR) vaccine available at over 50 participating pharmacies across Melbourne’s western suburbs for adults aged 20-59. The program is delivered through The Vaccination Hub, working alongside participating Victorian Local Public Health Units and the Department of Health. 

Western Public Health Unit Director, Dr Finn Romanes, said the initiative was designed to make access to measles vaccination quick and easy through local pharmacies. 

“If you are aged 20-59, you may not be protected against measles,” Dr Romanes said.  

“If you haven’t had two doses of measles (MMR) vaccine or you don’t know, click here. From this link you can book a free MMR vaccine at a nearby participating pharmacy at a time that suits you.”  

“By offering free MMR vaccinations for adults through local pharmacies, we’re making it even easier for people to protect themselves against measles, close to home,” Dr Romanes said. 

“This additional access point is especially important for people who may be unsure of their vaccination history and want a simple way to stay protected.” 

“MMR vaccination will also continue to be available through general practice for children and all adults up to 59 years.” 

“If you are travelling overseas with a child aged 6 to 11 months, your child can also receive an MMR vaccine early to protect them. In 2025, a child under one year almost died from measles after travelling overseas and was not vaccinated against measles.” 

The MMR vaccine is safe and the best way to protect you, your family, and everyone around you. Strong communities start with strong immunity — get your MMR today.