Table. Post-exposure prophylaxis needed within 6 days (144 hours) of 1st exposure for people exposed to measles

Give NHIG — 0.2 mL/kg, only if either:

• the mother has had <2 doses of MMR vaccine and no history of past measles infection, or
• the mother is negative for measles IgG

Not applicable

• Premature infants may still require vaccination. Please seek guidance from an immunisation expert

Not applicable

• Premature infants may still require vaccination. Please seek guidance from an immunisation expert

If <72 hours since exposure:

• Give MMR vaccine now, then repeat dose at 12 months of age or 4 weeks later (whichever is later).
• Give MMRV vaccine at 18 months of age, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks after the previous dose of MMR vaccine (see Recommendations).

If ≥72 hours since exposure:

• Give NHIG - 0.2 mL/kg

• Give MMR vaccine now.

If ≥72 hours since exposure:

• Give NHIG - 0.2 mL/kg

If <72 hours since exposure:

• Give MMRV vaccine, or MMR if already immunised against varicella, at least 4 weeks after the previous dose of MMR vaccine.

If <72 hours since exposure:

• Give MMR vaccine now.
• Give a subsequent dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine at least 4 weeks after the 1st valid dose (a valid dose is one given at ≥12 months of age) to complete a 2-dose vaccine schedule (see Recommendations).
• In children aged ≥4 to <14 years, MMRV vaccine could be used as the 1st dose if the child has not already received a varicella-containing vaccine (see Recommendations)

• If time, check IgG
• Give NHIG — 0.2 mL/kg to maximum of 15 mL
• Consult public health authority (and/or obstetrician or general practitioner) about interpreting IgG results and using NHIG.

• If time, check IgG.
• Give NHIG — 0.2 mL/kg to maximum of 15 mL.
• Consult public health authority (and/or obstetrician or general practitioner) about interpreting IgG results and using NHIG.

MMR = measles-mumps-rubella; MMRV = measles-mumps-rubella-varicella; NHIG = normal human immunoglobulin

Source: Adapted from the Communicable Diseases Network Australia national guidelines for measles²

Administration of vaccine at >72 hours post exposure or immunoglobulin at 6 days (144 hours) post exposure is unlikely to be effective and is not recommended. For preterm (premature) infants who have been exposed to measles, using maternal vaccination history as a guide for Post-exposure prophylaxis requirements is not recommended.