Territory babies can now receive the free measles-mumps-rubella(MMR) vaccine at 9 months of age instead of 12, as measles cases in theDarwin-Palmerston area continue to rise.
There have been 23 recorded cases of measles sincemid-February. As part of its response to the outbreak, and to minimise the riskto unvaccinated infants, the NT Government has lowered the age at which the MMRvaccine can be given.
Any infant who receives the vaccine at 9 months will needfollow-up vaccines at 12 months and 18 months of age.
Measles is a very contagious illness spread through coughingand sneezing. One third of people infected experience complications and, of the23 cases recorded in this recent outbreak, several have ended up in hospital.
TheCentre for Disease Control (CDC) is urging Territorians to check their immunityand get a booster if they are unsure.
You are immune if you:
Have previously had measles
Have had two doses of the measles-containingvaccine, known as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
Were born before 1966 (as you have mostlikely had measles and are considered immune).
Parents can get their baby immunised at their localCommunity Care Centre or GP. While thevaccine itself is free, GPs who do not bulk bill may charge a consultation fee.
