Measles Warning: 1.7 Million Australians at Risk

Measles is a disease.

About 7% of Australians are not protected from measles.

In short:

A new study found 1.7 million Australians are at risk of catching measles. This is based on 2019 data.

The study says some groups of Australians are more likely to get measles.

What's next?

People who travel are at a higher risk of bringing measles to Australia. They should get another vaccine.

About 1.7 million Australians are not protected from measles. This puts Australia at risk of more outbreaks.

A study found that almost 7% of Australians could get measles in 2019.

A new paper will be published today. It says some age groups are more likely to get measles.

More than 80,000 Australian children are not up to date with their vaccinations.

Some babies are not yet old enough to get the measles vaccine.

There is a concern that there will be more measles outbreaks.

We might see more cases and a higher chance of death.

'A warning sign'

The study combined blood tests and vaccination data.

The study found that 93.3% of Australians are protected from measles.

We don't want the situation to get worse.

Some babies are not yet old enough to get the measles vaccine.

The World Health Organization wants 93-95% of people to be vaccinated.

Australia stopped having measles in 2014, but people still bring it back from overseas.

There were few measles cases in Australia during the pandemic, but numbers are increasing.

Who is at risk and why should we be worried?

Anyone who is not fully vaccinated is at risk. Babies and young children are at risk because they are not yet vaccinated. Pregnant women are also at risk.

The study found that some age groups are more likely to get measles.

These groups are at risk because of gaps in vaccination programs.

We could start to see more cases and a higher chance of death.

There are gaps in vaccination for people born around 2000 and 1993-1995.

People born between 1977 and 1983 may only have had one dose of the vaccine.

People born since 1966 may have missed the vaccine or only had one dose.

Some people may have lifelong immunity from getting measles as a child.

The numbers are daunting.

If one person with measles is in a room with people who are not vaccinated, they will infect many others.

What is measles?

Overseas travellers should get another vaccine.

Travellers are at a higher risk of bringing measles to Australia.

People should check their vaccination records before travelling.

If they haven't had two doses of the vaccine, they should get vaccinated again.

The World Health Organization wants 93-95% of people to be vaccinated.

People aged 20-40 are catching measles while travelling overseas.

Many cases come from people who have travelled to Asia.

GPs should ask patients about their measles status before they travel.

Adults in at-risk age groups should consider getting another vaccine.

'We'll see more outbreaks'

If herd immunity drops below 93%, measles will spread more.

Our public health system will struggle to contain outbreaks.

Addressing vaccine hesitancy is important.

Australia might fall below the threshold for herd immunity.

There will be pockets of the population with lower vaccination rates.

This is a sign that something is wrong.

Childhood vaccination rates have declined for five years.

The study might underestimate the risk of measles.

See more ABC coverage.

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