Measles - Information for employers and staff - NPHS0067

Measles in Aotearoa New Zealand

Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness that could spread very easily in workplaces where people spend time together indoors, especially if some are not immune to measles.

Measles can have a big impact on workplaces and communities. Most people take 1 to 2 weeks to recover and return to their usual activities; and one out of every 3 or 4 people with measles will be admitted to hospital. 

People with measles can spread it before they know they are sick. If you are exposed to measles at work and cannot show you are immune, you will need to stay home (in quarantine) so you do not spread it to others. The best way to protect yourself and make sure you can continue working is to be immunised.

To protect your workers, visitors and customers and maintain business continuity we recommend preparing now for measles at your workplace. Guidance for workplaces is available at: Measles: a guide for workplaces | Health Professionals

Checking if you are immune to measles

Changes to the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule over time means you may not be fully immunised even if you received all your childhood vaccines. This is particularly likely if you were born in Aotearoa between 1969 and 1992.

You are considered immune to measles if you:

• were born or lived in Aotearoa New Zealand before 1 January 1969, or
• have had 2 recorded doses of a measles vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart after the age of 12 months, or
• have documented evidence of having measles infection previously.

Guidance on how to check your immunity, including if you were born and lived overseas before 1969, is available at: Measles immunity The following table applies to people who were born or received their childhood vaccinations in Aotearoa. It can help you work out if you might need a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

When were you born?

Before 1 January 1969 in New Zealand

Am I likely to be immune to measles?

Yes. Before this time there were no measles vaccines, so most people were infected with measles during childhood.

Do I need an MMR vaccine?

No

1969 to 1992*

Am I likely to be immune to measles?

Probably not. You probably only had 1 measles vaccine, and it may have been given to you too early to give long term protection. 

Do I need an MMR vaccine?

Yes. Unless you have records confirming you had 2 measles vaccines.

* There was only one measles vaccine dose on the immunisation schedule at this time, and it may have been given to you before the age of 12 months.

1992 to 2004**

Am I likely to be immune to measles?

Maybe not. You may have only had one measles vaccine because of changes to the timing of recommended MMR vaccination.

Do I need an MMR vaccine?

Yes, if you cannot confirm you had 2 measles vaccines.

** The timing of the second vaccine changed over this time and many people missed their second dose.

After 2004***

Am I likely to be immune to measles?

Yes, if you had all your childhood vaccines.

Do I need an MMR vaccine?

No. Unless you do not have records confirming you had 2 measles vaccines.

*** The schedule included 2 measles vaccines since this time, and where there were changes to timing, children were actively followed up to make sure they received their second MMR vaccine.

If you had your childhood vaccines overseas you may not be considered fully protected. This is because some countries offer the first measles vaccine under the age of 12 months.

Keep a record of your immunity to measles

The Aotearoa Immunisation Register (AIR) is an online register of immunisation records. If you were vaccinated overseas, or in Aotearoa before 2005, this may not be recorded on the AIR.

If you are exposed to measles, public health will check the AIR to ensure you are fully protected. If you don’t have documented evidence that you are immune you may be required to stay home until public health can confirm your immunity.

You are encouraged to check that your immunisations are recorded on the AIR. You can do this by visiting My Health Record | Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora 

If you were immunised overseas, or your NZ childhood immunisations aren’t showing on the AIR, talk to your GP or vaccinator about any additional vaccinations you may need and getting your records loaded on the AIR.

Get immunised if you are not immune or do not have recorded evidence of immunisation

If you are not immune, or you are not sure if you are, your best protection against measles is immunisation. Two doses of the MMR vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart, after the age of 12 months will fully protect about 99% of people from measles. For most people, it is safe to have extra MMR vaccines even if it is possible you are already immune.

The MMR vaccine is free for:

• anyone aged 18 or over if they are eligible for free healthcare in Aotearoa
• anyone under 18 — it does not matter what their immigration status is
• many people in Aotearoa on work visas including Recognised Seasonal Employees (RSE workers).

If you are pregnant, you cannot have the vaccine until baby is born – it’s safe to have while
breastfeeding.

If you are immunocompromised, the MMR vaccine may not be recommended. Talk to your
doctor or specialist about this.

You can book a vaccination appointment with your medical centre or pharmacy, or visit
Book a vaccine

The Vaccination Helpline 0800 28 29 26 (weekday hours) can support you to book appointments or answer your questions. They have interpreters available and you can choose to speak with a disability advisor, or use NZ Relay.

For more information about the MMR vaccine visit Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Check your family are immunised as well

It’s also important to check that your whānau are protected against measles. If they are fully vaccinated and exposed to a measles infection they can continue with their normal activities, such as work and school, and won’t need to stay home (in quarantine).

For more information

Visit the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website Measles