South Australia (SA) Funded Measles Vaccination Program

Measles is a very serious and highly contagious virus. It spreads when an infected person talks, breathes, coughs or sneezes. Tiny particles with the virus can go into the air and stay there for a long time. Measles can be very serious. It can make you very sick and can lead to hospitalisation and even death.

There have been measles outbreaks around the world, including cases in Australia.

The best protection against measles is vaccination.

Measles vaccines in Australia are given as a combination vaccine with other vaccines;

Measles containing vaccines (which contain a small amount of the virus) are funded for eligible children as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) at 12 and 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 for funded catchup measles containing vaccines under the NIP.

The State Government is funding the MMR vaccine for individuals in the following categories who are travelling overseas:

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

For more information on measles outbreaks overseas see:

Measles vaccination for adults

Until the late 1960s in Australia, most people caught measles when they were a child. Because of this, most people born in Australia before 1966 are immune to measles.

Most adults born in Australia between 1966 and 1989 have only had dose of MMR vaccine. Adults born from 1966 travelling overseas who have not had two doses of a measles vaccine are now eligible for funded measles vaccine to make sure they are fully protected.

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

Measles vaccination for babies and children

The current childhood immunisation program recommends two doses of an MMR containing vaccine at the 12 months and 18 months scheduled points.

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 an MMR vaccine from 6 months of age will still need to get two more MMR containing vaccines at 12 and 18 months of age.

Where you can get vaccinated

The state funded SA Measles Vaccination Program is now available through most immunisation providers such as GPs 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 further information see: