Key facts
- Number of doses: 2.
- Free for: Babies at 12 and 18 months of age.
- Side effects can include a lump at the injection site, fever, faint red rash, head cold, runny nose, cough, puffy eyes, tiredness, drowsiness or swelling of salivary glands.
What is measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and close contact with an infected person.
Measles usually causes a fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a red rash that spreads across the body.
It can lead to serious complications including ear infections, pneumonia and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). Some people may need hospital treatment. Measles can cause death.
What is the measles vaccine
The measles vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from measles. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes measles, without causing the disease itself.
Measles vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against measles and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.
Measles vaccines only come as a combination vaccine that also protects against:
The combination vaccine has a small amount of a weakened live virus. Some people cannot have live vaccines for medical reasons. Your health professional can advise whether this vaccine is suitable for you.
You can find product information and consumer medicine information about measles vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Who can get the measles vaccine
The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for:
- babies 12 and 18 months of age
- people 19 years of age or under (as a catch-up vaccination)
- refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age (as a catch-up vaccination).
You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one. This includes babies and children must be on a Medicare card or be eligible to be on one.
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP
Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.
If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.
Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.
How the measles vaccine is given
The vaccine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a muscle (intramuscularly).
Costs
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.
Side effects
Most side effects of measles vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.
Common side effects include:
- cough
- head cold
- runny nose
- puffy eyes
- drowsiness or tiredness
- swelling of salivary glands
- fever (lasting 2 to 3 days)
- faint red rash (not infectious).
Occasionally, a lump may form at the injection site. This may last for weeks, but no treatment is needed.
Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.
Safety data
See safety data for the free vaccines given at 12 months and 18 months of age (includes measles) from AusVaxSafety.
Checking immunisation history
You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Information for health professionals
If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.
You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook measles page.
Next steps
Talk to a health professional to confirm if the measles vaccine is free or recommended for your baby.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
- View our NIP resources.
- Watch our video called What is measles? to find out why childhood measles vaccination is so important.
- Visit our Childhood immunisation site.
- Visit the Measles immunisation page on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website.
Measles vaccine
Find out how effective the measles vaccine is and learn more about potential side effects.
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