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All New Zealanders are urged to check their immunisation status and ensure their families are protected as Health NZ launches Measles Immunisation Week. Health Minister Simeon Brown says cases of measles are continuing to rise and there’s never been a better time to act. “Measles is one of the most infectious viruses in the world, a single case can infect 12 to 18 unvaccinated people. “If you’re not immunised and you’re exposed, there’s a 90 per cent chance you’ll get it. “That’s why we’re encouraging people to use Measles Immunisation Week to get their MMR vaccine.” The immunisation week campaign aims to raise awareness about the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, encourage timely immunisation, and support the health sector’s efforts to stop the spread of measles. “Extra clinics are running throughout the week. If your child is 12 months or older and hasn’t yet had the MMR vaccine, don’t delay,” Brown says. “And if you were born between 1969 and 2004, check if you’re fully immunised. “We need 95 per cent of the population immune to prevent outbreaks.” Everyone in New Zealand aged 12 months or over is eligible for a free MMR immunisation. Associate Education Minister David Seymour says updated guidance from the Director-General of Health makes it clear that students should continue attending school unless there is a confirmed case. “If there hasn’t been a confirmed case of measles at a school, all students should continue attending, regardless of their vaccination status,” Seymour says. Where a case is confirmed, Health NZ’s National Public Health Service will match school rolls with the Aotearoa Immunisation Register. Students who haven’t received two MMR doses may be asked to stay home only if identified as close contacts. “Covid had a major impact on attendance rates and culture,” says Seymour. “While measles is dangerous and we’re taking it seriously, school closures or blanket exclusions aren’t justified where there’s no direct risk. “An education crisis today becomes a crime, inequality or vulnerable-children crisis tomorrow.” Measles cases have been confirmed across multiple regions, including Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington and Nelson, with signs of community transmission beyond imported cases. For more information or to book an MMR vaccine, visit bookmyvaccine.health.nz, call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 9pm; weekends 8.30am to 2pm), or check your status at www.info.health.nz/measles.
