Australia was declared measles-free in 2014 due to high immunisation rates. However, recent outbreaks across several states and territories throughout Australia have been linked to international travellers infecting unvaccinated or partially vaccinated infants (AIHW, 2018; Bahl et al., 2023). Childhood immunisation offers strong protection against measles. Still, rates have dropped below the targeted levels that ensure the highest level of protection possible. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake at 24 months of age dropped by approximately 0.4% among children in 2022–2023 (NCIRS, 2023). While this decline may seem minor, measles is highly contagious, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021). These developments serve as a critical reminder of nurses’ vital role in preventing the spread of disease, educating communities, and managing vaccine-preventable diseases.
What is measles?
Measles, caused by the Morbillivirus, is a highly contagious airborne disease. It spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets and aerosols released when an infected person coughs or sneezes (AIHW, 2024). The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. The incubation period, the time between exposure and symptom onset, is typically 10-14 days (CDC, 2025; AIHW, 2024).
Signs and symptoms
The initial signs of measles are fever, runny nose, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis) and sore throat. The rash begins as flat, red spots on the face and upper neck, then spreads downward to affect the rest of the body (WHO, 2021).
How fast does measles spread?
People with measles are considered infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until four days after the rash appears. Measles spreads rapidly through communities due to its extreme contagiousness. Australia has already recorded 59 measles cases this year, compared to 57 cases recorded over the entire year in 2024 (RACGP, 2025).
How do we protect ourselves?
“The number one defence against the spread of measles is immunisation.”
Measles spreads quickly, highlighting the need to raise public awareness and ensure vaccinations are up to date to help control outbreaks (NCIRS, 2025; AIHW, 2024). People are at greater risk of exposure if they travel overseas or work in areas at high risk of transmission (CDC, 2025).
Vaccination against measles is free, safe, effective, and the best way to avoid serious illness. In Australia, two doses of the measles vaccine offer 99% protection against illness and serious complications (CDC, 2025).
Catch-up vaccinations are highly recommended for:
- People who are unvaccinated or have had fewer than two doses of measles vaccine.
- Adults born in or after 1966.
- Infants aged 6–12 months who are travelling to measles-endemic regions (ATAGI, 2024).
Catch-up vaccination for uncertain immunisation status
If a person’s vaccination history cannot be confirmed through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), a nominated provider, or written records, they should be managed as not vaccinated and offered age-appropriate catch-up vaccination (Australian Immunisation Handbook, 2024). Routine serological testing to determine measles immunity is not recommended prior to vaccination. With the exception of pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, the MMR vaccine can be safely administered without prior testing, as there is no evidence of increased adverse events in those with pre-existing immunity to one or more vaccine components (Australian Immunisation Handbook, 2024).
Beyond the jab: The vital role of nurses in combating measles
Beyond delivering vaccinations, nurses are essential in combating measles outbreaks by providing public education, early detection, infection control, and outbreak response.
Interested in becoming a nationally accredited nurse vaccinator?
Gain real-world knowledge and practical expertise with the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). Our education is delivered by nurses, for nurses—giving you the skills, confidence and clinical understanding to support safe, effective immunisation in your community. Learn from experienced nurse educators who bring real nursing experience and insight to every course. Visit our website to learn more and take the next step in your nursing career.
Author: Mary Reyes
ACN Nurse Educator – Higher Education
Mary Reyes is an ACN Immunisation Nurse Educator, bringing extensive experience across clinical practice, education, and public health. Prior to joining ACN, Mary worked as a Dedicated Nurse Educator at Australian Catholic University, an Authorised Nurse Immuniser in primary care, and a Registered Nurse with experience in acute care at Royal North Shore Hospital. She also has a strong background in public health, including Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Mary is passionate about supporting nurses to build real-world skills and deliver safe, effective immunisation care across Australia.
References
Australian Centre for Disease Control [CDC]. (2025, April 4). Measles in Australia and our strong vaccination record. Australian Centre for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov.au/newsroom/news-and-articles/measles-australia-and-our-strong-vaccination-record
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW]. (2024). Infectious and communicable diseases. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/infectious-and-communicable-diseases
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). (2024). Australian Immunisation Handbook. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra. https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au
Bahl, S., Khanal, S., Sangal, L., Tabassum, S., Ungchusak, K., & Andrus, J. (2023). Measles and rubella elimination: Protecting children through immunization in South-East Asia Region (SEAR). Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, 18, 100303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100303
NCIRS. (2025). Vaccination coverage in children. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. https://ncirs.org.au/annual-immunisation-coverage-report-2023-summary/vaccination
New South Wales Government Health. (2025, March 18). Measles alert for Sydney. Retrieved from https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250318_03.aspx
New South Wales Government Health. (2025, April). Measles factsheet. Retrieved from https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/measles_factsheet.aspx#prevent
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners [RACGP]. (2025). Warning issued as measles cases surge. Retrieved from https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/warning-issued-as-measles-cases-surge
Victorian Department of Health. (2025, April 17). Health alert: Increased risk of measles in Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. Retrieved from https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/new-measles-case-in-victoria-4
World Health Organization. (2021). Measles vaccines: WHO position paper, February 2021. Retrieved from https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/339801/9789240015616-eng.pdf
