Health authorities urge vaccinations as measles risk grows

HEALTH authorities are urging residents across the Barwon South West region to check their measles vaccination status as cases continue to rise across the state.

The warning comes after measles exposure sites were identified along the Great Ocean Road in February, including in Lorne, Wye River and Apollo Bay.

Public health officials say concern is growing as both imported measles cases and local transmission are being reported, including among people who have not travelled overseas.

The Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) has launched a targeted measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination campaign, offering free catch-up vaccines at participating pharmacies across the region.

People who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine remain at risk of infection, with the risk particularly high for people travelling internationally who are not immune.

Adults aged 20–59 who were born in Australia, as well as adults born overseas, may be under-vaccinated and at greater risk, as past childhood immunisation schedules in Australia and some other countries did not always include the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine.

BSWPHU public health physician Dr Akhtar Hussain said the campaign aimed the prevent the further spread of a disease that had previously been eliminated in Australia.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, sore and red eyes and rash,” Dr Hussain said.

“Although rare, it can lead to potentially life-threatening serious illness and complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your community. It not only prevents us from becoming unwell but also reduces the risk of spreading measles to others.”

The public health unit is partnering with the Victorian Department of Health and other local public health units across the state to provide free catch-up MMR vaccinations at participating pharmacies throughout the Barwon South West region.

Dr Hussain said the initiative was designed to make vaccination easier to access.

“This initiative improves access to vaccination across the Barwon South West region and community can now have access to MMR vaccine closer to their home or workplace,” Dr Hussain said.

The vaccine is free for everyone, and a Medicare card is not required.

One local resident who experienced measles firsthand as a child has joined the vaccination push.

Thomson local Shane Gray, now 61, was about five or six years of age when he caught measles.

“Back then nobody got vaccinated for measles and I remember breaking out in little spots and feeling as crook as a dog,” he said.

He believes measles weakened his immune system, making him more susceptible to other illnesses that quickly followed.

“Once I caught measles, over a short time I then caught chicken pox, mumps, gastro and the flu making me seriously unwell for a long period of time,” Gray said.

“The risk of measles is not worth it. You’re playing with your life if you’re not fully vaccinated.

“A simple jab will erase the risks for your children, yourself and your workmates.”

For more information, visit bswphu.org.au, or to book a free MMR vaccination at a participating pharmacy, head to mmr.thevaccinationhub.com.au