Measles information from Regional Public Health, Wellington

• Further information (FAQs) sent to schools and early childhood centres 19 March 2019
• Information sent to Early Childhood Centres 14 March 2019
• Information sent to primary, intermediate and secondary schools 14 March 2019

Note: measles immunisation is free.

Background

There is a large and ongoing outbreak of measles in Christchurch. Auckland and Dunedin have now also reported measles cases.

While there are currently NO reported cases in the greater Wellington region, people will move around NZ during the school holiday period of 13 - 28 April, which includes Easter (19 April –22 April), and ANZAC Day (25 April), and it is likely measles will spread.

Be prepared

• Children: parents should check their children's Plunket or Well Child/Tamariki Ora book to confirm they are protected. See above FAQs
• Adults: if unsure if you're protected, check your personal health records e.g. your Plunket or Well Child/Tamariki Ora book. See above FAQs 
• Phone your local medical centre to arrange to be immunised if not protected.
• Don’t delay: to be protected before the school holiday period, immunisation needs to occur by Saturday 30 March. This is because it takes 14 days to develop protection after immunisation.

More information

• Regional Public Health
• Ministry of Health
• Immunisation Advisory Centre 0800 IMMUNE