NSW Health is urging anyone born during or after 1966 to check they have received 2 doses of measles vaccine as an outbreak continues in Sydney. Children should receive two doses of vaccine, one at 12 months and a booster at 4 years. While the outbreak has largely been occurring in South Western and Western Sydney, there have been cases in other areas.

More than 50 cases of measles have been notified since April including 14 cases reported in infants less than 1 year of age. More cases of measles continue to be reported each week, so health experts are asking people to check they have been vaccinated and be aware of the symptoms.

Measles is very infectious and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore eyes
• Cough
• Followed a few days later by a rash.

People with these symptoms should see a doctor, but phone ahead to ensure they are isolated upon their arrival. People who get measles can experience serious complications and 1 in every 4-5 people infected will require hospitalization. Immunization is very effective in preventing the disease in the individual and ensuring the individual does not infect vulnerable family members, including babies.

Speak to your doctor today if you are not sure if you or your children have been fully vaccinated with two doses of the measles vaccine. Anyone born during or after 1966 should have two doses of vaccine.

If you have other questions, please call your local Public Health Unit. See contact details at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/Infectious/phus.asp