Measles case: Priority MMR vaccination means that some people have to deal with a 'short wait' & # 39;

Some New Zealanders wishing to be vaccinated against measles may have to wait several weeks.

Measles was confirmed in 67 people, including 39 in Canterbury and 12 in Auckland.

While the Ministry of Health has called for all people who have not received MMR vaccine to be vaccinated, priority groups have been put in place to ensure that those most at risk of contracting the disease are treated first.

Dr. Ramon Pink, from DHB in Canterbury, said the initial priority group included people aged 12 months to 28 years who had never been vaccinated.

"Over the past month, concerted efforts have been made to increase the participation of this group, and we have now expanded the network so that we can strengthen the immunity of our community," he said.

"We are extending the availability of a second dose of MMR vaccine to all people aged 12 months to 28 years, caregivers of infants under 12 months of age and those aged 29 to 50 who are working with children. "

Pink added that the vaccination campaign targeted those most at risk of measles infection or serious complications.

"We are in regular contact with Pharmac and the Ministry of Health about the supply of the vaccine, and we think we have enough MMR vaccine stock to provide it to those we target," he said. .

Dr. Caroline McElnay, from the Ministry of Health, said GP practices outside Canterbury were also urged to prioritize vaccination at 15 months and 4 years of age.

If they have available stock, patients under 50 who have not yet received any measles vaccine are in second place on the list.

"It's great to see people asking for advice from health professionals about measles and vaccination and we want to thank them for their patience while waiting for the appointments," she said. .

"The most important way to protect ourselves against future epidemics is to maintain the national immunization schedule, including vaccination with MMR vaccine at the age of 15 months and 4 years.

"It is also important that adolescents and young adults who have never been vaccinated be vaccinated.

"We have enough vaccines to do this and support the response to the Canterbury outbreak." Stocks continue to be stocked in the country's cabinets, which means that waiting can be brief . "

An Aucklander reported to the Herald he had sought to be vaccinated and had been told to wait until mid-May.

McElnay said that people who had already received a dose of MMR vaccine had a 95% chance of being protected.

She said anyone who had recovered from the disease was almost always immune.

"People who want a second-dose MMR vaccine are asked to be patient at the moment, so that unvaccinated people can get vaccinated first."

"This will help our medical centers focus their services on those who need them most," she said.

Stay away from work, school or public places:

McElnay said that anyone sick should stay away from work, school or public places to avoid putting other people at risk.

"Measles is very contagious.If you think you have measles, it is important to call before consulting your doctor to avoid spreading the virus in the waiting room.

"If you feel sick, avoid getting to work, school, or public places, to avoid putting others at risk." This also applies if you or a member of your family are not completely immune and have been in contact with someone with measles, "she said.

"By isolating yourself, you will help protect vulnerable people, including babies, pregnant women, cancer patients and others who can not be immunized and for whom the impact of the disease can be devastating. .

"You are contagious five to five days after the onset of the rash, the day of the onset of eruption being considered the first day."

Avoid traveling

ESR, which tracks all notifiable diseases on behalf of the Ministry of Health, indicates that measles outbreaks begin when measles is introduced into the country after an international trip.

"The virus is then pbaded on to other members of the community because our vaccination rates are not high enough to prevent the spread of the disease."

ESR said that there was an increased risk of spreading cases in the country and importing new cases of measles at Easter and during school holidays.

Jill Sherwood, a public health physician at ESR, said people should be aware of the risks of measles.

"They should also think about the importance of immunization and the possibility that they may be exposed to measles, especially when they travel, attend events, holiday programs, in camps or have friends and family traveling about them, "she said.

Confirmed cases of measles

Waitemata:

5

Auckland:

6

Counties Manukau:

1

Waikato:

12

Bay of Plenty:

2

Canterbury

39

From South:

2

Total:

67

• Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to measles or who have symptoms should not go to the emergency department or the clinic after normal working hours or to a general practitioner. Call your GP at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free health advice.

• For more information or advice on measles, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or visit the Ministry of Health's measles page.