The Public Health Services is urging Tasmanians to check they are up to date with their measles vaccinations, following Tasmania’s first confirmed case since 2016.
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An East Coast resident was diagnosed with measles on Saturday.
The infection was caught during travel in Southeast Asia.
Public Health director Dr Mark Veitch said Public Health Services had worked with local healthcare providers, to give advice and immunisation to people in contact with the person.
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“All people born during or after 1966, and aged 12 months or older, need to have had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be sure they are immune,” Dr Veitch said.
“Measles vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for children at age 12 months with a booster at 18 months.
“People aged 12 months or over travelling overseas should speak with their GP or travel clinic to ensure they’ve received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
“This includes people born overseas who travel home to visit family and friends.”
People working in healthcare, childcare, long-term care and correctional facilities are also advised to ensure their measles immunisations are up to date.
“People born before 1966 do not need to receive vaccine, as the virus was very common before this time and most people will have developed immunity from infection in early childhood,” Dr Veitch said.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness with symptoms that include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a rash.
Measles can cause severe complications including ear infections, pneumonia and brain damage.
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