Measles Surge: Early Vaccination for Australian Kids?
Measles cases surged globally in 2023, prompting concern: Should Australia consider early vaccination for its children? Australia has seen a jump in cases in early 2025.As the World Health Organisation recommends two doses for maximum protection, experts are examining if the current MMR schedule, which starts at 12 months, is optimal, particularly given new research on maternal antibodies. A recent study shows maternal antibodies waning faster than believed. while the possibility of an earlier dose for at-risk kids exists,major changes in the present routine in Australia are unlikely,despite increasing travel-related infections. News Directory 3 provides further insight on this vital topic. Discover what’s next in the ongoing measles vaccination debate.
Global Measles Cases Surge: Is Earlier Vaccination Needed?
updated June 09,2025
Worldwide measles cases have increased in recent years. In 2023, an estimated 10.3 million cases occurred globally, marking a 20% jump from 2022. Outbreaks are occurring in regions including the United States, Europe, and the Western Pacific.
Australia has seen a rise in measles vaccination related cases, with 77 recorded in the first five months of 2025, compared to 57 in all of 2024. The majority of these cases are linked to international travel, either contracted overseas or through contact with infected travelers.
Measles, caused by the Morbillivirus virus, typically affects children and presents with symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and rash. While often mild, it can lead to severe complications requiring hospitalization, and even death. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that measles is highly contagious, with one infected person possibly spreading it to 12-18 others without immunity.
The WHO recommends a two-dose vaccination coverage above 95% to achieve herd immunity and halt the spread. Declining vaccine coverage, notably since the COVID-19 pandemic, is fueling global outbreaks.
Newborns generally receive protection from measles through maternal antibodies passed via the placenta and breast milk. In areas with high measles circulation, the WHO advises a first dose around nine months, as maternal antibodies are expected to decline by then. However, research indicates that measles vaccines given before 8.5 months may result in a quicker decline in antibody response.
In Australia, children receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months and the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine at 18 months. An additional early dose is recommended for babies at higher risk, such as during outbreaks or when traveling to high-risk areas.
A recent review of data from low- and middle-income countries suggests that maternal antibodies decline earlier than previously believed.The study found that while 81% of newborns had maternal antibodies, only 30% of babies aged four months retained them. This raises questions about whether the first measles vaccine dose is given too late.
despite this,Australia’s high MMR vaccine coverage of over 92% for two-year-olds means the overall risk of a measles surge remains relatively low. While broadening the age range for an early extra dose for high-risk children may be considered, changes to the current routine immunization schedule are unlikely.
Ensuring high levels of measles vaccine coverage with two doses remains a global priority. Individuals born after 1966 are advised to have two doses, while those born before the mid-1960s likely have natural immunity from childhood infection. Vaccination status can be checked through the Australian Immunisation register, with catch-up vaccination available under the National Immunisation program.
What’s next
Further research is needed to determine if lowering the age for the first dose would negatively affect long-term protection against measles. In the meantime, maintaining high vaccination rates remains crucial in preventing outbreaks.