The measles virus, the US CDC says measles is very contagious and can be serious, and anyone who is not protected against the virus is at risk. Photo credit: Supplied/ US CDC.
Source: RNZ Pacific
An Aotearoa New Zealand-based Tongan immunologist says vigilance around measles spread is particularly important as families prepare to travel over the Christmas period – both within the countries they live and across the region to visit loved ones.
Dr Chris Puli’uvea says unlike Fiji, New Zealand’s vaccination rate for children is 82 percent.
For Pacific children aged one to five, the vaccination rate sits around 80 percent.
Health NZ has recorded 30 cases of measles in Aotearoa in recent weeks, including 11 in Auckland and eight in Wellington.
With local health authorities working to increase the rate to the herd-immunity level of 95 percent, Dr Puli’uvea, a senior lecturer at the Auckland University of Technology, is encouraging open conversations around vaccinations and disease protection.
“It’s important for our different layers of communities to be able to have these conversations, reach out and talk to someone who’s had it before and what their experiences were like,” he says.
“I’m sure you could [also] find out experiences of those who haven’t had the MMR vaccine and some of the troubles that they’ve had to face as well.”
Dr Puli’uvea says awareness around the risk of measles, including its long-term effects, and increasing protection through vaccinations, should be part of holiday preparations as people look to enjoy themselves over the Christmas and New Year period.
“Getting vaccinated really stops the virus from doing that.
“Before you start thinking about what to pack in your suitcase and things to share with family and friends, whether you’re going to the Pacific or coming in from Pacific, before packing those suitcases… think about trying to get your MMR vaccination course.”
Dr Puli’uvea also encourages people to check their vaccination status if they are unsure whether they are protected.
In New Zealand, that can be done through an individual’s GP.
