What is measles?Measles is a potentially serious, highly infectious disease caused by a virus. Measles is the most common vaccine-preventable disease among children throughout the world.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, loss of appetite and conjunctivitis (pink eye) which lasts for 3-5 days. Usually it is possible to see small white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth. This is followed by a rash which covers most of the body and lasts 4-6 days. How serious is measles?One in three cases of reported measles experience one or more complications. These include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. Pneumonia accounts for 60% of measles deaths. More serious complications include:
• 1/1000 cases develop inflammation of the brain. 15% of these cases die and approximately one third are left with permanent brain damage.
• 1/100,000 cases will, years later, develop subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE): a serious brain inflammation that is always fatal.
• Death occurs in approximately 1-2 per 1000 reported cases of measles in developed countries. In developing countries this is much higher.
How do you catch measles?Measles is spread through the air by infectious droplets. It can also be spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose of throat of infected persons, and by items or surfaces contaminated by such secretions.
How common is measles?
Before a measles vaccine was developed most people contracted the disease before 20 years of age. Universal vaccination was introduced to New Zealand in 1969. The last big epidemic in New Zealand was in 1991 with around 7000 cases and 7 deaths. There are still cases of measles occurring in New Zealand every year. In countries with very high immunisation coverage, measles has been eliminated from the population.
How do you prevent measles?Immunisation given on time is the best way to prevent measles. Two doses of measles containing vaccine is 99% effective in preventing measles. If the vaccine is given within 72 hours of exposure to the disease it may provide protection to the unimmunised and thus limit the spread of the disease.
In the event of a measles outbreak unimmunised children (with no history of prior measles infection) who have contact with cases are advised NOT to attend school or early childhood services until notified.
Which vaccines protect against measles?The combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) is the only vaccine in New Zealand available to protect against measles.
How effective is the vaccine against measles?Approximately 90-95% of those given 1 dose of MMR vaccine are protected. Those who do not develop immunity after the first dose almost always do after the 2nd dose.
How safe is the vaccine?The MMR vaccine has an excellent safety profile. The risk of MMR vaccine causing serious harm is extremely small – refer to the table below for side effects. MMR vaccine is considerably safer than getting measles, mumps or rubella.
When is the vaccine given?
The first dose of MMR vaccine is offered to infants at 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 years of age.
Who should not get the vaccine?
Some people who have significant weaknesses in their immune system should not have this vaccine as they may react badly to it. Your vaccinator will ask about any immune system problems. The general contraindications that apply to all immunisations also apply to the MMR vaccine.
Ask your doctor or nurse if you are unsure about receiving this vaccine.
FAQs
Can the MMR vaccine cause measles?
No. It can cause a very mild, non-infectious rash approximately 10-12 days after vaccination.
Can the MMR vaccine cause autism?
NO. Extensive research shows there is no evidence that MMR vaccine causes autism – or any other behavioral or neurological disorder. Link to factsheet from the Australian National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance
Does MMR vaccine contain thiomersal (or mercury)?
No.
Vaccines are prescription medicines. Talk to you nurse, doctor or midwife about possible risks and the benefits of immunisation. Measles | Effects of disease | Side effects of vaccine | | A highly contagious viral illness causing fever, cough and rash | - Otitis media (ear infection) (7%)
- Pneumonia (6%)
- Brain inflammation (1/1000)
- SSPS (degenerative brain damage) 1/100,000
- Infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature labour, miscarriage and low birth weight infants.
| - About 5-15% of children experience a fever
- About 5% experience a rash
- Aseptic meningitis from the mumps component - 1/100,000
- Encephalitis (<1 per million)
- Anaphylaxis (<1/million)
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