Global Surge in Measles Cases Raises Vaccination Timing Debate in Australia

As measles cases surge globally, prompting discussions about vaccination strategies, health experts in Australia are questioning whether the current timing of measles vaccinations needs to be revised. In 2023, an estimated 10.3 million measles cases were reported worldwide, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. This resurgence has been attributed to low vaccination rates exacerbated by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with notable outbreaks occurring in countries such as the United States, Europe, and the Western Pacific region, which includes Australia. Reports indicate that Vietnam experienced thousands of cases in 2024 and 2025. In Australia, 77 cases of measles were recorded in the first five months of 2025 alone, compared to 57 cases for the entirety of 2024. Most Australian cases are linked to international travel, often involving travelers returning from overseas or local transmission following contact with an infected individual. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles spreads through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious, capable of infecting 12 to 18 people from one infected individual. The WHO recommends maintaining vaccination coverage above 95% to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks. Currently, Australia administers the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in two doses at 12 and 18 months of age. However, the current surge in measles cases raises questions about whether the first dose should be administered at an earlier age, particularly since a recent study indicated that maternal antibodies protecting infants from measles wane more rapidly than previously thought. This study, which examined over 8,000 infants in low- and middle-income countries, found that while 81% of newborns had maternal antibodies, only 30% of infants aged four months maintained them. The implications of this research suggest that the timing of the first vaccine dose may need to be adjusted, especially considering the ongoing global outbreaks. In Australia, vaccination coverage for two doses of the MMR vaccine is above 92%, though this is still shy of the optimal 95% threshold. Experts like Dr. Meru Sheel, an Associate Professor at the Sydney School of Public Health, emphasize the importance of high vaccination rates in preventing outbreaks. She notes that while the risk of a large-scale outbreak in Australia remains low, populations with higher travel rates to endemic regions may require additional early vaccination options. The WHO’s recommendation for high coverage is underscored by the fact that measles can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization and even death. In response to the rising global cases, some countries, like New Zealand, have adjusted their vaccination schedules to allow infants as young as four months to receive the vaccine before traveling to areas with high measles prevalence. However, altering the vaccination schedule in Australia could pose logistical challenges and additional costs. Public health officials, while recognizing the potential benefits of earlier vaccination, advocate for further research to ensure that any changes do not compromise the long-term immunity provided by the vaccine. In the interim, ensuring robust vaccination coverage remains a critical public health priority. Health authorities urge individuals born after 1966 to verify their vaccination status and consider catch-up vaccinations if necessary. The National Immunisation Program offers catch-up vaccinations for those who may not have received the full course of measles vaccinations. As the world confronts the resurgence of measles, the ongoing dialogue regarding vaccination strategies in Australia will be crucial in safeguarding public health and preventing further outbreaks.