The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is urging people to check their measles vaccination records as new research points to gaps in immunity across the Australian population.
The warning comes as health authorities continue to monitor measles activity linked to international travel. A recent study led by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance estimated that around 1.7 million Australians may have been vulnerable to measles based on immunity gaps identified in its analysis.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey said the findings were a reminder for Australians to check whether they had received the recommended two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, but it is also one of the most vaccine-preventable,” Twomey said.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that adolescents and adults born during or after 1966 have either documented evidence of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, given at least four weeks apart after 12 months of age, or evidence of immunity through blood testing.
The recommendation is particularly relevant for people planning to travel overseas. Australian health guidance identifies measles imported following international travel as a major source of cases in the country.
Twomey said people who were unsure about their vaccination history should speak with a pharmacist, GP or other immunisation provider.
“Many Australians simply don’t know whether they have received the necessary two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, now is the time to check,” he said.
Community pharmacies can provide another point of access for vaccination advice and services. The Guild says more than 6,100 community pharmacies operate across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas of Australia.
“Pharmacists are able to quickly check vaccination status, answer questions and provide vaccinations, often without an appointment,” Twomey said.
The Australian Government also advises that two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are recommended for people born during or after 1966. Around 99 per cent of people are immune to measles after receiving two doses.
Australia has maintained measles elimination status since 2014, although imported cases can still lead to local transmission when immunity gaps exist. The recent research found that overall measles immunity was 93.3 per cent in 2019, within the World Health Organisation’s 93 to 95 per cent target, but that protection was uneven across different groups and locations.
The Guild is particularly encouraging people born during or after 1966 who cannot confirm their vaccination history, as well as those preparing for overseas travel, to check their records before they leave.
People who do not have evidence of two doses are advised to discuss their circumstances with a healthcare or immunisation provider. The Australian Immunisation Handbook notes that adolescents and adults who have been incompletely vaccinated or do not have evidence of immunity are recommended to receive measles-containing vaccination.
The Guild is directing Australians to its Find a Pharmacy service to identify local pharmacies that offer vaccination services.
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