Measles vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Icon of vaccine vial
Icon of vaccine vial

Measles immunisation

Key points

  • Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is easily spread via respiratory droplets and aerosols (very fine suspended particles). 
     
  • Non-specific symptoms of measles may include fever, general feelings of being unwell, runny nose and cough. A rash typically appears 2–4 days after the first symptoms.
     
  • Measles has a relatively high rate of complications that can be severe, often leading to hospitalisation or death.
     
  • Protection from measles is available through vaccination with measles-containing vaccines that also protect against other diseases such as mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox).
     
  • All people born during or after 1966 are recommended 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine, given after 12 months of age, at least 4 weeks apart.
     
  • Children are recommended 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine: 1 dose at 12 months of age and 1 dose at 18 months of age.
     
  • Travelers should check their measles vaccination status prior to international travel. Infants travelling to countries where measles is endemic or where there are current outbreaks can receive an additional early dose of measles-containing vaccine from 6 months of age as well as the standard doses after 12 months of age. 

Last updated: 12 September 2025

FAQs

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Non-specific symptoms generally occur before the appearance of the typical measles rash. These may include:

  • high fever
  • malaise
  • runny nose and cough
  • conjunctivitis
  • Koplik spots (rare) – bluish-white plaques inside the mouth on the inner cheeks. 

The rash appears 2–4 days after the first symptoms and starts as a red, blotchy rash on the face and neck. On darker skin, the rash may be harder to see. It then spreads to the body and limbs over the next 3–4 days. 

At first, the rash fades when pressed, but later it can turn into a more dull-coloured rash that may not fade when touched.

How is measles spread? 

The measles virus spreads easily via respiratory droplets and aerosols that are usually created through sneezing or coughing. It can remain infectious for up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces through infected droplets. 

People with measles can infect other people from up to 4 days before the rash appears (sometimes before they feel unwell) through to approximately 4 days after the rash has started to appear.

Who can get measles, and how common is it?

Measles is very contagious and can be spread easily to people without immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection, even when most of the community is immune. To stop the disease from spreading during outbreaks, around 95% of people in a community need to be immune. 

Measles was declared eliminated from Australia in 2014; however, measles outbreaks can occur when a person becomes infected overseas and travels to Australia. This can then lead to infections in non-travellers in Australia.

There was a large outbreak of measles in Australia in 2019, with 284 cases occurring in connection with large outbreaks in other countries where people frequently travel from Australia.

More recently, the number of measles cases in Australia has been increasing, including cases of local transmission (i.e. cases not associated with international travel).

What are the complications of measles? 

Measles has a relatively high rate of complications that can be severe, often leading to hospitalisation. Around 1–3 out of every 1,000 people who are infected with measles will die, often from secondary infections such as pneumonia (the most common cause of measles deaths in children are due to pneumonia).
Complications of measles include: 

  • middle ear infections (7–9 people per 100 people infected)
  • diarrhoea leading to dehydration (8 people per 100 people infected)
  • pneumonia (1–6 people per 100 people infected)
  • encephalitis (1–4 people per 1,000 people infected)
  • pregnancy-related complications
  • in rare cases, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare degenerative brain condition that is usually fatal. SSPE is a late complication of measles and occurs, on average, 7 years after infection.
What measles-containing vaccines are available in Australia?

There are no measles-only vaccines in Australia. Instead, combination vaccines that contain the measles virus are in use. All measles-containing vaccines are live attenuated, meaning they contain a weakened form of the measles virus.

Two combinations are in use in Australia, and two vaccine brands are available for each type: 

  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine:
    • M-M-R II, a measles-mumps-rubella combination vaccine registered for use in people from 12 months of age
    • Priorix, a measles-mumps-rubella combination vaccine registered for use in people from 12 months of age
  • Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine:
    • Priorix-tetra, a measles-mumps-rubella-varicella combination vaccine registered for use in people from 9 months of age
    • ProQuad, a measles-mumps-rubella-varicella combination vaccine registered for use in children from 12 months to 12 years of age. 
Who is eligible to receive a free measles-containing vaccines?

A 2-dose course of a measles-containing vaccine is available free of charge under the National Immunisation Program for: 

  • children aged 12 months and over
  • all people (including refugees and humanitarian entrants) aged less than 20 years who did not receive the MMR/MMRV vaccines in childhood
  • refugees and humanitarian entrants aged 20 years and over.  

Additionally, all states and territories fund a dose of MMR vaccine for: 

  • children aged 6 months to less than 12 months* who are travelling to a country where measles is endemic or outbreaks are occurring
  • adults born during or after 1966.

* Note: If an infant receives a dose of MMR vaccine between 6 and 11 months of age, they still need to receive the 2 recommended vaccine doses at 12 and 18 months of age.

When are measles-containing vaccines recommended for children?

Children are recommended 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine – one dose at 12 months of age and one dose at 18 months of age, according to the National Immunisation Program Schedule. 

However, children who are severely immunocompromised should not receive measles-containing vaccines, given they are live vaccines.

If an infant receives a measles-containing vaccine before they are 11 months of age, they still need to receive the 2 recommended vaccine doses at 12 and 18 months. 

Infants who do not receive a measles-containing vaccine at the scheduled timepoints may need a different schedule to catch up. More details can be found in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Which measles-containing vaccines are recommended for children?

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines are recommended for the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (usually given at 12 months of age, according to the National Immunisation Program Schedule). 

Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines are recommended for the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (usually given at 18 months of age, according to the National Immunisation Program Schedule). 

MMRV vaccines are not recommended to be used as the first dose of measles-containing vaccine in children younger than 4 years of age because this could increase the chances of certain adverse events following immunisation. (See Are there any rare side effects that can occur after receiving a measles-containing vaccine?)

When are measles-containing vaccines recommended for adolescents and adults?

All adolescents and adults born during or after 1966 are recommended to have either: 

  • documented evidence of having received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccines at 12 months of age or over; or
  • results of a measles serology test (a blood test) showing protection against measles from previous vaccination or measles infection. 

This is especially important for people who work in health care, long-term care facilities or correctional facilities or who are childhood educators. 

Additionally, individuals who have had illnesses or treatments that have severely affected their immune system should speak to their GP about whether they are protected against measles.

Measles-containing vaccines are not recommended for people who are pregnant or who are severely immunocompromised. 

Adolescents and adults who do not have evidence of protection against measles and are not pregnant or severely immunocompromised are recommended to receive 2 doses of measles-containing vaccines, at least 4 weeks apart. 

Which measles-containing vaccines are recommended for adolescents and adults?

MMR vaccines are the only measles-containing vaccines recommended for adolescents aged 14 years and over and adults.

MMRV vaccines are not recommended for people aged 14 years and over, because there is not enough information on safety and effectiveness in this age group. Separate MMR and varicella vaccines should be used if required.

Why do people who were born in Australia before 1966 not require measles vaccination?

People who were born in Australia before 1966 are likely to have had measles infection and so, since measles immunity from infection is lifelong, they generally do not require vaccination. 

However, people who were born outside of Australia before 1966 may not have had the same exposure to measles in their childhood. 

Measles serology – a blood test that checks for measles antibodies – may be considered for individuals who want to confirm if they are protected against measles, such as travellers or people born outside of Australia. 

Is a booster or catch-up dose of measles-containing vaccine required?

If a person has received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine at least 4 weeks apart, with the first dose given at 12 months of age or over, then no further doses are required.

People who were born in Australia before 1966 and those who have a documented history of laboratory-confirmed measles infection do not require vaccination with measles-containing vaccine.

If a person has not received a complete 2-dose course of measles-containing vaccine, they should receive vaccination unless contraindicated or they were born before 1966.

People with uncertain measles vaccination or infection history can receive measles-containing vaccine without doing a serology test. Further doses of measles-containing vaccine in individuals who have previously been vaccinated or are already immune is safe, as long as they are not pregnant and/or severely immunocompromised. 

In rare cases, people may have a severe adverse reaction to the first dose of measles-containing vaccine. In these rare instances, the person should discuss with their doctor whether a second dose is advised.

What is recommended if a person comes into contact with someone with measles?

The recommend actions for people who come into contact with a person with measles varies depending on their age, vaccination status, immune status and pregnancy status and how long it has been since the first contact. 

People who may have been in contact with somebody with measles should contact their GP for advice. Some people may be recommended a measles-containing vaccine or a a dose of normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG), or no action may be taken. 

For more information, see Table. Post-exposure prophylaxis needed within 6 days (144 hours) of 1st exposure for people exposed to measles in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

If measles is no longer very common in Australia, why is measles vaccination still recommended?

While measles was declared eliminated from Australia in 2014, outbreaks still occur when people become infected overseas and return to Australia. 

Because measles is highly contagious, it is important to maintain a high level of measles immunity in the population, to reduce the risk of outbreaks and maintain Australia’s measles elimination status.

How effective are measles vaccines at preventing measles?

An Australian study showed a 99% effectiveness against measles in children after 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine. 

Is it possible to get measles even if you have had a measles vaccine? 

In people who are recommended to receive measles vaccine, it is very rare for a person to develop measles if they have received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine. In the small number of breakthrough infections that do occur, there is evidence to suggest measles disease is much milder compared to those who were not vaccinated. 

What are common side effects after receiving a measles-containing vaccine?

Injection site reactions such as pain, swelling and redness are common following receipt of measles-containing vaccines. People may also develop a fever that can last 2–3 days; this can be associated with malaise and a mild, non-infectious rash. 

Adverse events after receiving a measles-containing vaccine are generally mild and well tolerated. Adverse events are much less common after the second dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine than after the first dose. For more information, see Adverse events in the Australian Immunisation Handbook measles chapter.

For more on common reactions that may occur after vaccinations, see the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing resource Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do.

Are there any rare side effects that can occur after receiving a measles-containing vaccine?

Febrile seizures are a rare side effect from both types of measles-containing vaccines (MMR and MMRV). One Australian study showed febrile seizures occurred at a rate of 1 case per 4,000 doses given in children aged 11–23 months after the first MMR vaccine dose. MMRV vaccine is recommended to be used only as the second dose of measles-containing vaccine in Australia, as the risk of febrile seizures is higher if it is used as the first dose.

Thrombocytopenia (a reduction in the number of platelets in the blood) can occur in 1 per 20,000–33,000 doses of MMR vaccine. 

Anaphylaxis can also occur but is very rare (1 per 1.8–14.4 million doses).

Does MMR vaccine cause autism or inflammatory bowel disease?

The MMR vaccine does not cause autism or inflammatory bowel disease.

A number of extensive, high-quality studies have tested whether MMR vaccines are related to developmental disorders such as autism and bowel inflammation. Well-conducted studies have followed up and compared large numbers of both vaccinated and unvaccinated children and concluded there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism or inflammatory bowel disease. 

For more information, see the Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) page What about autism?

Can measles-containing vaccines cause measles?

Measles-containing vaccines are live attenuated vaccines and could lead to vaccine-related measles disease if inadvertently given to people who should not receive live vaccines. They are not recommended for:

Do vitamin A supplements protect against measles?

No – the measles vaccine is the only way to protect against measles. 

Supplementation of vitamin A can cause harm due to overdose, especially in children.

While the World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation in select settings such as low- and middle-income countries – where vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness and increased risk of death from common childhood infections, such as measles – this is not the case in Australia.

Are there any people for whom measles-containing vaccines may be contraindicated or additional precautions should be taken?

Measles-containing vaccines should not be given to the following groups, as it may cause harm:

There are other groups who should take additional precautions when receiving measles-containing vaccine. For more information, see Precautions in the Australian Immunisation Handbook measles chapter.

Can a person receive a measles-containing vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes, people can receive a measles-containing vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. 

If a person is recommended other live vaccines – such as the chickenpox (varicella), yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis vaccines – these should be given at the same time as the measles-containing vaccine. If the vaccines are not received on the same day, the person should wait at least 4 weeks before receiving the measles-containing vaccine. 

For more information, see the NCIRS resources Recommended sites for childhood vaccination and Co-administration of vaccines for adults: a guide for immunisation providers.

Does a person need to be vaccinated against measles if they have had measles in the past?

If a person has a measles serology test or documented diagnosis that proves they have immunity, then they do not need to receive measles vaccines to be protected against measles. 

How should people protect themselves from measles if they are travelling overseas or returning to Australia from overseas?

People travelling overseas from Australia – especially to countries where measles is endemic or there are current outbreaks of measles – should check with their healthcare provider if they are recommended to receive any measles vaccines. This should be done at least 6 weeks before departure, because if 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine are required, the doses need to be given at least 4 weeks apart. It then takes at least 2 weeks for the body to develop a protective immune response.

After a person has returned to Australia from overseas, it is important to be alert to the symptoms of measles. If a person has any concerns that they may be unwell with measles, they should contact a healthcare provider by telephone rather than in person, because of the risk of passing on the infection.  

How early can infants who will be travelling overseas receive the MMR vaccine?

Infants travelling overseas can receive the MMR vaccine from 6 months of age. 

If an infant receives a dose of MMR vaccine between 6 and 11 months of age, they still need to receive the 2 recommended vaccine doses at 12 and 18 months.

Should infants who are not travelling overseas receive the MMR vaccine earlier than 12 months of age?

No, the National Immunisation Program Schedule currently recommends infants receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 months of age. However, there may be certain situations when public health authorities advise vaccination between 6 and 12 months of age, such as during a local outbreak or where there has been contact with a person infected with measles. The relevant bodies responsible for public health outbreaks will determine if an outbreak is occurring and provide relevant updated advice.

This National Immunisation Program Schedule is continually being reviewed. Health authorities monitor the measles situation and any measles outbreaks in Australia on an ongoing basis and will update the schedule as required.

Useful links

  • 1417 views