Tasmanians urged to check measles vaccination before travelling
29 Sep 2025
While no cases of measles have been reported in Tasmania in 2025, travel interstate or overseas could bring the infection into the state. Far North Queensland is currently experiencing a measles outbreak.
How to protect yourself and your family
Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide strong protection. The Department of Health recommends that all Tasmanians check their vaccination status, including children.
Measles is highly infectious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 10 days after exposure (up to 18 days) and include:
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Fever
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Runny nose
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Sore eyes
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Cough
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Red, blotchy rash starting on the head and spreading across the body
Who can get free measles vaccination in Tasmania?
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Children: Routinely offered at 12 and 18 months. Infants aged 6–12 months travelling overseas to areas with measles can get their first dose early.
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Catch-up doses: Available for anyone under 20 years who missed a dose.
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Adults born in 1966 or later: Without documentation of two doses or immunity confirmed by a blood test.
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Humanitarian entrants or refugees of any age.
Vaccines are available from GPs (all ages), pharmacies (people over 10 years), and some local council clinics.
Tasmanians are encouraged to check their vaccination status before travelling to ensure protection against measles.
Source: Tasmanian Department of Health
