Measles was officially eliminated from Australia in 2014 however a global outbreak has resulted in recent imported cases including three cases identified in returned overseas travellers in Victoria in January 2024.
Currently, any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles and present a risk to anyone vulnerable to measles.
Who is at risk ?
Anyone born during or since 1966 who does not have documented evidence of having received two valid doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or does not have documented evidence of immunity, is at risk of measles.
People born between 1966 and 1994 are known to be at a greater risk of measles because they are less likely to have had a measles vaccine or they have had only one dose.
Measles vaccination
Two doses of measles-containing vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended to provide optimal protection. Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free in Victoria to:
Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook | Measles for further information.
Vaccination is recommended for people who are unsure of the immunisation history, regardless of Medicare status.
Consumer information
The healthdirect website contains comprehensive information to share with consumers including key facts, symptoms and prevention.
Find out more at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/measles
Is your general practice prepared for the impacts of emergency events such as bushfires and floods? It’s a good time to review your Emergency Response Plan and update your capacity in the Capacity Tracker Portal.
The RACGP has developed resources to support general practices with preparing for, responding to and recovering from the impact of fires, floods and other emergencies. Access these documents here.
Also ensure you have downloaded the Vic Emergency App and are prepared for any power outages.
Gippsland PHN will also be releasing a bushfire toolkit shortly to assist with planning. If you need assistance, please email primarycareresponse@gphn.org.au
Encouraging your patients aged 50 to 74 to screen for bowel cancer just got easier with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program now enabling healthcare providers to bulk order program kits and issue them to eligible patients.
This new model is in addition to the mail-out model, where kits are mailed directly to eligible people by the National Cancer Screening Register.
Healthcare providers can support people who have never screened or are overdue for screening to take that positive next step through this alternative access via GP clinics, with patients more likely to do the test after discussion with a trusted healthcare professional.
GPs can learn how to get started with the new alternative access to kits model.
Main office
11 Seymour Street, Traralgon, Gunaikurnai Country
13 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi, Bunurong Country
119 Main Street, Bairnsdale, Gunaikurnai Country
Gippsland PHN is committed to providing inclusive services and work environments where people of all backgrounds, sexualities, genders, cultures, spiritual beliefs, age, bodies and abilities are valued, supported and celebrated.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people/s as the traditional Custodians of Country across the Gippsland region.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people/s continuing connection to Land, Water and Community.
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People/s, Cultures, and their Elders past and present.
We also recognise, respect and affirm the central role played in our work by people with lived experience, their families and/or carers.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges Alfie Hudson for the healing circles artwork. Alfie is a Gunai Kurnai man and created this artwork which represents health professionals being committed to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members for the best health outcomes.
