Measles: It’s time to close the immunity gap before borders reopen

+Practice

In print

VACCINES

Measles: It’s time to close the immunity gap before borders reopen

16 March 2022

By Andrea Teahan

Wednesday 16 March 2022, 12:15 AM

Among the worst affected in recent measles outbreaks have been young infants [Image: Jim Goodson]

This article was updated on 1 March 2023. Click here

Timely administration of vaccinations is the best way to reduce the burden of infectious disease in Aotearoa and provides effective defence against viruses such as measles

Key points, International travellers could potentially bring measles into Aotearoa when the borders reopen. Those with an unreliable vaccination history are mos, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

Paediatrics

References

1. Turner N. A measles epidemic in New Zealand: Why did this occur and how can we prevent it occurring again? N Z Med J 2019;132(1504):8–12.

2. Guerra FM, Bolotin S, Lim G, et al. The basic reproduction number (R0) of measles: a systematic review. Lancet Infect Dis 2017;17(12):e420–28.

3. Ministry of Health. Communicable Disease Control Manual: Measles. January 2021. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/communicable-disease-control-manual/measles

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global Measles Outbreaks. 8 February 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/data/global-measles-outbreaks.html

5. CDC. Global Progress Against Measles Threatened Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic. 10 November 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1110-measles-progress.html

How to Treat

+How to treat

For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews

Wednesday 28 May 2025, 12:50 AM