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Immunization

New Zealand Launches Nationwide Measles Immunisation Week, Urging Citizens to Get Vaccinated

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A nationwide measles immunisation week has been launched in New Zealand, urging all citizens to check their immunisation status and make sure their families are protected. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, encourage timely immunisation for people of all ages, and support the efforts of the health sector to stop the spread of measles. Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Education Minister David Seymour have stressed the importance of getting vaccinated, citing the high infectivity of the measles virus and the need for 95% of the population to be immune to prevent outbreaks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The nationwide campaign will run from November 3-7 and aims to raise public awareness about the MMR vaccine and encourage timely immunisation for people of all ages.
  • Measles cases have been confirmed in multiple regions, including Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Nelson, with signs of community transmission, not just imported cases.
  • Everyone in New Zealand aged 12 months or over is currently able to receive free MMR immunisations, and citizens are urged to check their immunisation status and immunise their families.
  • Associate Education Minister David Seymour has reinforced the importance of keeping children in school, even if they have not received two doses of MMR, unless they are identified as close contacts of a confirmed case.
  • The Government is taking a balanced and rational approach to measles outbreaks, avoiding blanket exclusions or school closures where there is no direct risk.

Statistics:

  • Measles is one of the most infectious viruses in the world, with a single case able to infect 12 to 18 unvaccinated people.
  • If you're not immunised and you're exposed to measles, there's a 90% chance you will get it.
  • To prevent outbreaks, 95% of the population needs to be immune to measles.
  • Measles cases have been confirmed in multiple regions, including Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Nelson.

Sources:

  • Health Minister Simeon Brown
  • Associate Education Minister David Seymour
  • New Zealand Government Health
  • New Zealand Ministry of Health
  • Mil-Osi New Zealand News - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com

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