Public Health South holding FREE measles vaccinations clinics in Dunedin for 15-30 year olds

Public Health South is holding two free measles vaccination clinics in Dunedin, for young people aged 15 to 30 years who haven’t already been fully immunised for measles.

Victoria Bryant, Charge Nurse Manager, Public Health Nursing says, the clinics will be held at Wakari Hospital, in the Public Health South Offices on the second floor of the main block, on Wednesday 17 February and Wednesday 24 February from 1-4pm.

“Bookings are preferred but people can also drop in.  To make a booking telephone 03 4769875.  There is plenty of parking available on-site.”

The clinics are part of Southern’s contribution to the national measles campaign to improve the immunity against measles amongst all people in the 15 to 30 year age group.

“Free measles vaccinations for 15 to 30 year olds are available from GPs and participating pharmacies in Southern.  We are offering these two clinics for people who might not be enrolled with a General Practice, as an alternative.

“If you haven’t been immunised, or you cannot find your childhood vaccination records and your GP does not have a copy of them, then the Ministry of Health recommends you have the MMR vaccine now.

“There are no additional safety concerns with having an extra dose.  However, women who are pregnant cannot have the MMR vaccine,” she says.

In recent years Southern has experienced a significant measles outbreak in Queenstown and cases in Dunedin, Oamaru, Wanaka and Gore.  In Southern towns and cities there were 72 cases of measles in 2019.  New Zealand wide there were more than 2,000 cases in 2019.

To find out more about measles and the MMR vaccination, visit:

The Southern Health website https://www.southernhealth.nz/SouthernMeasles

Or  The Ministry of Health’s website https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/immunisation/protect-against-measles

ENDS.