Adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 are recommended to have received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine

All adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 should have either:

• documented evidence of 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart and with both doses given at ≥12 months of age, or
• serological evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella

Adolescents and adults who have been incompletely vaccinated or do not have evidence of immunity to measles are recommended to receive measles-containing vaccine. See Catch-up vaccination for more details, including minimum intervals between doses. As measles is highly contagious, it is important to maintain a high level of measles immunity in the adult population, to reduce the risk of outbreaks and maintain elimination of measles in Australia.

People born before 1966 do not usually need to receive measles-containing vaccine (unless serological evidence indicates that they are not immune). This is because circulating measles virus and disease were very prevalent before 1966, so most people would have acquired immunity from natural infection. 

However, confirmed cases of measles have occurred in people born before 1966.³ If in doubt about a person’s immunity, it may be faster and easier to vaccinate the person rather than conduct serological testing. See Serological testing for immunity to measles. 

Review vaccination records for all adolescents and young adults to ensure that they have received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine. See Epidemiology.

Measles-containing vaccine is funded through the NIP for adolescents and adults aged <20 years who have been incompletely vaccinated or do not have evidence of immunity to measles. For details see the National Immunisation Program schedule.