New Measles cases in Victoria – exposure at Eastland Shopping Centre

There have been 3 recent cases of measles diagnosed in Victoria.  One of the location of possible exposure for our patients is the nearby Eastland Shopping Centre.

The exposure period was July 23rd – 26th.

If you have concerns about your exposure and risk, check out the link below, which includes a summary of the all the recent locations for exposure in the most recent cases. If you still have further questions, or are experiencing possible symptoms, please contact our reception to discuss whether an appointment is needed with our doctors for further investigations and management.

From the State Government Health Notification :

In 2019 there have now been 30 cases of confirmed measles notified in Victoria. Almost all cases are in people who are not fully immunised against measles, who have either travelled overseas or been in contact with travellers from overseas in Victoria. Many cases are people born since 1966 who believed they were fully immunised but who had not had two doses of MMR vaccine.

This is a timely reminder for individuals to check their vaccination records. Free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is now available for people born during or since 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or do not have documented evidence of immunity or are aged over 18 months and have only had one vaccine. Serology is not required before vaccinating.

Unvaccinated infants are at high risk of contracting measles. Infants as young as 6 months of age can receive MMR vaccine prior to travel overseas to countries where measles is endemic, or where measles outbreaks are occurring. The first dose of MMR vaccine is usually given at 12 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule (NIP). If an infant receives an early dose of MMR vaccine (e.g. at 8 months) prior to travelling overseas, they are still required to receive their routine 12 month and 18 months doses in line with the NIP schedule. MMR vaccine is now free for infants aged 6 to 12 months travelling to measles affected areas