February 16th, 2026More measles vaccinations needed
One of Australia’s pre-eminent infectious diseases specialists is calling on all levels of government to shake up its approach to measles vaccinations as case numbers rise in Australia.
Professor Nigel McMillan from Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics called for a more organised program for adults to receive a booster while speaking at the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne.
“Australia’s vaccine coverage is falling and we are only a few percentage points away from such low coverage that a measles outbreak, such as what the United States is currently suffering from, will occur,” Professor McMillan said.
“Some areas of the country are in fact already below the ideal vaccine coverage rate and it is only luck that we haven’t started seeing internal transmission of measles.
“As we see more confirmed cases in Australia and around the world, it’s apparent we need to try a different approach to ensure maximum level of protection throughout the community.”
Professor McMillan highlighted the need to lower barriers and improve access so people were not disadvantaged.
“Misinformation surrounding the safety of vaccines continues to be a barrier for some parts of the community and we need a coordinated strategy to improve education about the safety and efficacy of vaccinations,” he said.
“If we can ensure our children are vaccinated, it contributes greatly to the overall immunity and health of our community.”
