NSW Health advises that since December 2018 there have been 36 infectious cases of measles across the state. They have issued a Measles Update for GPs which can be downloaded here.
Main points:
- New Recommendation: Infants travelling overseas can be vaccinated from six months of age. These infants still need two further doses at 12 and 18 months of age, commencing at least four weeks after the first dose.
- GPs should suspect measles in people with rash and fever regardless of their travel history. Infants less than 12 months old and those who have not received two doses of measles vaccine are at highest risk.
- Any person born during or after 1966 should have two documented doses of measles vaccine.
- Ask about measles vaccine history for all patients who see you about travel plans.
- Proactively enquire of patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds about their travel plans and offer measles vaccine if they don’t have two documented doses.
- Those not to be vaccinated: Those with a history of anaphylaxis to MMMR vaccine; pregnant women, infants under six months of age, people with significant immunocompromise.
For more information contact the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
Click here to learn more about measles from NSW Health.
Click here to visit the HealthPathway for Measles.
For a list of all localised pathways see:
Mid and North Coast Localised Pathways
Username:Â manchealth
Password:Â conn3ct3d
For further information about HealthPathways email [email protected] or [email protected].