Extra measles dose urged for infants travelling overseas
16 Jan 2026
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) now advises that infants aged six to 11 months should receive an additional dose of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR) before travelling overseas, as measles cases continue to rise globally and locally.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd said international travel increases the risk of measles exposure, including in popular destinations such as Bali.
“If an infant aged six to 11 months receives an MMR dose before travel, that dose does not count as part of the routine schedule and will need to be repeated,” Professor Kidd said.
“These infants will still need two further doses — one at 12 months of age, or at least four weeks after the first dose (whichever is later), and a final dose at 18 months, given as the MMRV vaccine.”
He added that an early dose does not need to be repeated if it was given after 11 months of age but before the child turns 12 months.
The updated advice comes as measles outbreaks continue worldwide. In 2025, Australia recorded 181 measles cases across every state and territory. So far in 2026, six cases have already been reported — five in Queensland and one in Victoria.
Several states have issued new public health alerts, with exposure sites listed at hospitals, airports and other public locations.
The MMR vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- children at 12 and 18 months of age
- people under 20 years needing catch-up vaccinations
- refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI); Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care