The Travel Doctor
Traveller's medical & vaccination centre
Fact Sheets
Measles
Measles is a highly infectious, acute viral illness spread by respiratory tract droplets. Measles is till endemic in the developing world, & responsible for many deaths. There are regular reports of young adults returning to Australia with the disease. This highlights the need for all travellers to have proper pre travel care.
It is important for travellers in the risk group of 20-40 years of age to receive measles protection prior to departure unless already immune to the disease or where there is documented evidence of 2 previous doses.
Measles vaccine is a live virus so it must be givenon the same day, or separated by at least 4 weeks from other live viruses eg yellow fever, polio sabin. It always comes with Mumps & Rubella vaccine as a single injection.
Lethargy, fever & rash may occur after vaccination, most commonly about one week after vaccination & lasting 2-3 days.
