The World Health Organization says gaps in measles vaccination coverage in New Zealand could lead to another large outbreak.
Immunisation rates have fallen to levels not seen since 2012, health officials say, increasing the risk of widespread transmission. To prevent outbreaks, at least 95 percent of the population needs immunity through two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
New Zealand was declared free of endemic measles in 2017, but the country experienced a major outbreak in 2019 when more than 2,000 people were infected and about 700 were hospitalised.
Recent figures show only around 82 percent of two-year-olds are fully vaccinated, well below the target needed to stop community spread. Coverage is lower among some groups, including Māori and Pacific children.
New Zealand’s Public Health Director, Dr Corina Grey, says the falling coverage is a concern.
“We need to close these gaps in immunity so we do not see a repeat of 2019.”
National health data shows that vaccination coverage for Māori and Pacific children remains below national averages, meaning some families are still at risk.
Pacific health researcher Dr Chris Puli’uvea says measles remains one of the most contagious vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Measles can spread quickly in any unvaccinated group. That is why we have to keep coverage high.”
Dr Puli’uvea says many of the current challenges stem from misinformation, uncertainties over immunisation history and barriers to access.
“If people are unsure whether they have received both doses, it is better to check and catch up. That protects individuals and their communities.”
Regional Implications for Fiji
The Health and Medical Services Ministry says it is monitoring the situation closely, given frequent travel between Fiji and Australia and New Zealand.
The ministry is urging parents to ensure children are fully immunised with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella as Fiji remains at risk if vaccination rates fall below the level needed to prevent outbreak.
Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
