1 Dec 2011

Aucklanders told to get measles vaccine before holidaying

12:30 pm on 1 December 2011

Health authorities say Aucklanders should ensure they are vaccinated against measles before they go on holiday this year.

There have been 19 new confirmed and probable cases of measles in the past week as an outbreak continues in the region.

Some 372 cases in Auckland since late May have been categorised either confirmed or probable and 64 people have needed hospital treatment.

Authorities say there has been a greater uptake of the measles vaccine MMR since they launched new measures in October aimed at boosting immunisation levels.

However, the Auckland and Waitemata district health boards say there is a risk measles will increase and spread over summer, with people travelling away from the city and attending large gatherings.