Study: 1.7 million Australians lack protection against measles
About 1.7 million Australians are not protected against measles, which increases the risk of new outbreaks of the disease in the country. These are the findings of the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), according to ABC News Australia.
The analysis showed that in 2019, nearly 7% of the population was susceptible to measles, while the overall immunity rate stood at 93.3%. The study, which is set to be published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, combined the results of blood tests for measles immunity with vaccination data. Its authors called it the most comprehensive national assessment currently available.
Those without sufficient protection included, in particular, infants who had not yet reached the age for routine vaccination. Increased susceptibility was also found among younger children and people aged 42–49, 31–33, as well as 25 and 26. Lead author Zoe Crocker attributed this to gaps in immunization programs for certain generations.
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According to her, the largest gaps concern people born around the year 2000, as well as those born between 1993 and 1995—when a second dose of the vaccine containing the measles component was introduced. People born between 1977 and 1983 were more likely to have received only one dose of this vaccine. Individuals born in 1966 or later may also be more vulnerable if they missed their vaccinations or were not fully vaccinated. At the same time, some of them may have acquired lifelong immunity after contracting measles as children.
Adrian Esterman, an epidemiologist at the University of Adelaide, called the immunity level a warning sign and stated that Australia risks facing significant outbreaks. The World Health Organization sets the target vaccination coverage rate at 93–95% to achieve herd immunity and curb the spread of measles.
Australia achieved measles elimination status in 2014, but imported cases continue to be reported among foreign visitors and residents returning from abroad. NCIRS Deputy Director Frank Bird urged travelers to check their vaccination records; he recommended that those without proof of having received two doses of the vaccine get revaccinated.
