MMR Key Messages

MEASLES – Key messages (May 2025)

• Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness, which can affect adults as well as children.

• The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine has an excellent safety record and has been used in New Zealand since 1990. Like all vaccines used in New Zealand, the MMR vaccine has been reviewed for safety and effectiveness and is monitored on an ongoing basis.

• Most people who lived in New Zealand before 1969 are considered immune. Measles was common in New Zealand at the time, so natural immunity was built from exposure.

• Anyone who has not had two vaccinations against measles after the age of 12 months or who is not sure if they had measles, are recommended to be immunised with the MMR vaccine.

• If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s important to check you are fully protected against measles as you cannot have the MMR vaccine while you’re pregnant. You can have the MMR vaccine once the baby is born. It is safe to have the vaccine when breastfeeding. Getting sick with measles during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and premature labour.

• The MMR vaccine is free for everyone in New Zealand under the age of 18. It doesn’t matter what your immigration status is.

• If you are 18 and over, the MMR vaccine is free if you’re eligible for funded healthcare in New Zealand.

• Two doses of the MMR vaccine (after the age of 12 months) protect about 99 per cent of people.

• If you have received your childhood vaccinations overseas you should have your vaccination records checked by your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider to make sure you are fully protected against measles in New Zealand.

• Some countries offer the first measles vaccine to children under 12 months of age and these children should be recommended to have additional free doses. If you do not have your overseas immunisation records, you should get vaccinated anyway. It is safe for most people to have extra doses.

• The MMR vaccine used in New Zealand does not contain any pork (porcine) products.

• Before traveling overseas, make sure you and your whānau are fully protected against measles.  Anyone who has not yet had two doses of the MMR vaccine are most at risk especially pēpi and tamariki. Ask your doctor if they recommend early vaccination for your child before travelling.

• It is safe for most people to have extra doses. So, if you’re not sure if you are protected, and if you were born after 1 January 1969, it is recommended that you get vaccinated before you travel. Check with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider.

• People born between 1969 and 2004 may have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine due to the vaccination schedules at the time. They should have another MMR vaccination to be fully protected.

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