Measles & Routine Immunisations: MMR Recall and Key Reminders

Kei ngā nui, kei ngā rahi, tēnā koutou katoa.

We have some updates and reminders to share, but first we want to acknowledge the incredible work our practices do for our communities and whānau. Please continue to stay prepared and vigilant as measles cases rise across the motu.

Measles alongside routine childhood immunisations:

We must continue our business-as-usual work and prioritise routine childhood immunisation alongside our Measles response.  This remains the highest of priorities so that we can continue to work towards population level protection.

Amplify uptake of MMR on time for our pepi at ages 12 and 15 months especially for those who require catch up.   Practices are asked to prioritise time to actively recall those who are due and overdue for MMR doses 1 and 2.  The following order of priority is recommended:

1.      Pre call and recall for 12- and 15-month events

2.      Overdue 13 to 24 months, then

3.      24 months to 5 years then

4.      Those born from 2005 then

5.      Those born from 1969 to 2004

6.      If any of your patients received their childhood vaccines overseas, they may need contacting to check as some countries offer the first measles vaccine before 12 months of age.  These people should be offered to have an additional 2 does for full protection.

We have attached a ‘how to’ guide’ for the use of the Mōhio MMR report, which can be used to identify your patients that are not immunised or who are under immunised for measles to help you recall them for vaccination.

Having Reassuring Conversations:

Have a plan to approach whānau who have previously declined MMR.  Prioritise as above, starting from youngest to oldest.  Approach with care and genuinely listen to any concerns, letting whānau know in a gentle tone that since October, we have been concerned of a measles outbreak, that risk now, is very high and we want to share information with you alongside a reminder that you may reconsider immunisation at any time and come in to have an MMR now.  Immunisation is the best protection for your whānau against measles.

We have attached a conversation guide for health professionals (tested and validated by our Te Tai Tokerau colleagues and community, this was based off the South Auckland Street Chats model).

Every contact matters:

Every encounter with a whānau is an opportunity to check Immunisation status and make an offer to those who need MMR.

The vaccination help line have extended their hours and have added extra resource.  Immunisation status can be checked by your patients and whānau using 0800282926.  Monday to Friday 8.30am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 8.30am to 2pm.

Recent FAQs:

The following have been the most frequently asked questions, they are summarised here for your information:

• MMR0 – Vaccinating babies under 12 months old.  The advice is to offer early vaccination to those babies who are at risk of exposure or are travelling overseas.  A prescription is required for Dose 0 and is not funded, unless organised by a Public Health Measles Contact Management.  The most important message to tell whānau, is that this is a dose 0 and ‘not counted’ in the routine schedule.  Pepi will still need to have their MMR vaccine on time at 12 months (dose 1) and 15 months (dose2).  The IMAC MMR Dose Zero pre-screening guidance document must be used when administering this additional dose. MMR dose zero pre-vaccination screening tool - Factsheets - Immunisation Advisory Centre

• People born or who grew up in Aotearoa before 1969 are considered immune.

• People born after 1969 without a clear record of vaccination history should be offered a funded MMR vaccination.

Important Reminders:

Please ensure you have reviewed and actioned the following, from our earlier panui:

• The Readiness Checklist
• Checking the immunity status of your staff see attached Assessing measles immunity for primary and community health facility workers
• Mōhio Measles form – which can be used to claim for measles consults when patients are directed to the clinic by Public Health
• Triage flow chart: Rapid identification and management of people with infectious respiratory illness attached

Please reach out:

Please let us know if we can support you.  Use the Clinical email; clinical@nhc.maori.nz for any operational or clinical concerns or queries related to measles.

Finally please find attached information from Te Whatu Ora on National Measles Immunisation Week!

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