South Australia (SA) Funded Measles Vaccination Program

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications.

The South Australian Government funded Measles Vaccination Program, provides MMR vaccine for:

  • adults born during or after 1966 who have not received two doses
  • children aged 6 months to less than 12 months who are travelling overseas.

With ongoing measles outbreaks overseas, there has been a recent increase in confirmed cases across Australia, most commonly in unvaccinated and under-vaccinated adults aged 20 to 49 years. Two doses of a measles containing vaccine are required for best protection against measles.

Measles vaccines in Australia are given as a combination vaccine:

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides MMR vaccine at 12 months of age and MMRV vaccine at 18 months of age.

People less than 20 years of age needing catch-up vaccination, and refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age are also eligible.

Measles vaccination for adults

Most people born in Australia before 1966 will have been exposed to the measles virus and therefore do not require vaccination.

Most adults born in Australia between 1966 and 1989 have only had one dose of MMR vaccine and require an additional dose.

Anyone who may not be fully protected against measles should discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider.

Measles vaccination for babies less than 12 months

Unvaccinated infants less than 12 months of age travelling overseas, are at higher risk of severe measles disease. They are recommended to receive MMR vaccine from 6 months of age, if advised by their immunisation provider. Infants receiving MMR vaccine from 6 months of age will still need to get two more MMR containing vaccines at 12 and 18 months of age as per the NIP schedule.

Where you can get vaccinated

The state funded SA Measles Vaccination Program is available through immunisation providers such as GPs, councils and participating pharmacies.

Some providers may charge a consultation or service fee. Please discuss this with your immunisation provider when making your booking.

Vaccine safety

Measles containing vaccines have been used globally and available in Australia since the 1960s. All vaccines used in Australia have been tested for safety and have been approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). See Vaccine Safety for more information.

More information

Information for health professionals

For further detailed information on the SA Measles Vaccination Program, including vaccine ordering refer to the SA Measles Vaccination Program – Fact sheet for health professionals (PDF 227KB).

Contact the Immunisation Section by phone, 1300 232 272 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00 pm, if any program clarification is needed.

For more information on measles outbreaks overseas see:

For further information see: