Public Health expert and Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group Board Director, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, says measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates for Pacific communities is concerning and needs to be a priority, following the emergence of two positive cases of measles in Auckland.
Measles is easily spread among people who have not had their MMR vaccination and should be taken seriously, says Sir Collin.
"For Pacific communities, the vaccination rate has dropped for the MMR vaccine and this puts our them at risk of catching measles. The message we're giving out and encouraging people is to get vaccinated because measles is a vicious disease and can have severe impacts on children."
The MMR vaccine protects you against measles, mumps and rubella and is free to anyone in New Zealand born after December 1, 1969. One dose of the vaccine is 95% effective against measles, with two doses more than 99% effective. Sir Collin reassures that the MMR vaccine is safe and is the best protection against measles.
"Measles is a terrible disease and even though there isn't an outbreak at the moment, there's potential for one and as we know, Pasifika and Māori tend to be at high risk of these outbreaks.
"If we recall the outbreak in Samoa, there were a number of deaths, including children. It's important that we prepare as best as we can and getting vaccinated should be a first step."
Symptoms of measles to look out for are a red blotchy rash, a fever, sore and watery pink eyes, a cough and runny nose. The rash tends to appear three to seven days following the other symptoms and starts on the face, then spreading to the rest of the body.
If you have symptoms, seek medical advice and call your doctor or Healthline for free at any time on 0800 611 116.
Providers will be running community vaccination events to encourage people to get vaccinated. See below for some upcoming events.
Christchurch
Saturday 13 May – Etu Pasifika Canterbury @ 31 Tuam Street, Christchurch from 9am – 2pm.
Auckland
Saturday 20 May – Tongan Health Society Loto-Hounga Drive-thru event @ 47 Favona Road, Mangere from 8:30am to 3:30pm.