What is happening?
Australia was declared free of measles in 2014, but the risk hasn’t gone away. Measles can still be brought in from overseas, and with large outbreaks happening in other countries, local cases remain a concern.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from measles, and two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is required for protection. Many adults born during or after 1966 have only had one dose of the MMR vaccine, particularly those born between 1966 and 1992 when only one MMR vaccine was part of the childhood vaccination schedule.
To close this gap, the Victorian Department of Health has launched the Enhanced Measles Vaccination program and is providing free MMR vaccine to all adults born during or after 1966 who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine or are unsure of their vaccination status.
Do I need a free measles vaccine?
You may not have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, and therefore are at risk of measles, if:
- You were born between 1966 to 1992 when only one dose was on the childhood vaccine schedule. It is safe to get another MMR vaccine if you have lost your childhood vaccine record.
- You were born overseas
- You missed or did not complete all your childhood vaccinations
Babies as young as six months can receive an early MMR dose if travelling to countries where measles outbreaks are occurring.
Where can I get a free measles vaccine?
The measles vaccine is free for adults born after 1966 who do not have two documented doses within their health records, or are unsure of their vaccination status.
You can access a free catch up vaccine at:
- Most GP clinics. Call ahead or check the service website to confirm availability and if there are any out of pocket administration costs.
- Community Health services
- Aboriginal Health services
- Local Councils. NEPHU is partnering with local councils in the NEPHU catchment. Find participating council services below.
- Community pharmacies. Please call ahead to confirm availability and any out of pocket administration costs. Please note that pharmacy vouchers for MMR are not available within the NEPHU catchment.
Please note that Victorian Local Public Health Units are trialing a range of strategies to increase measles vaccine uptake, and some initiatives being trialed in other regions may not be available within NEPHU.
Information for immunisation providers
What is the NEPHU measles immunisation project?
NEPHU is working to promote MMR vaccine uptake in under-immunised adult cohorts within the catchment as part of a broader statewide initiative.
This includes working with the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) to promote the uptake of free MMR vaccine in primary care settings.
Most adult vaccinations occur in primary care settings, and GPs, GP clinic managers, and practice nurses are encouraged to assess MMR vaccine status and provide free measles vaccines to eligible adults who attend their practices.
A webinar, hosted by the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network launched the program in December 2025. Watch the full recording here
Similar initiatives are being implemented across Victoria via other Local Public Health Units. Other regions may be facilitating MMR uptake via different avenues than is being promoted within the NEPHU catchment in primary care.
How healthcare providers can support adult catch-up MMR vaccination
Healthcare providers are encouraged to offer free state-funded catch-up MMR vaccine to all adults born on or after 1966 who are missing two doses of MMR or are unsure of immunity.
Free state-funded MMR vaccine can be ordered through Onelink.
Immunisation providers in the NEPHU catchment can order free poster printing and delivery.
Note that Commonwealth funded measles vaccine is also available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people aged less than 20 years who have not had two doses.
Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to these frequently asked questions in the downloadable resources here:
What are the measles immunisation recommendations in Australia?
Who is eligible for free MMR vaccine?
Is pre-travel measles vaccination included in the free state-funded program?
What are the contraindications and precautions for MMR vaccination?
How do I order free state-funded MMR vaccine?
How do I enter state-funded MMR vaccination information into the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)?
How do I report adverse events following immunisation and vaccine errors?
Resources:
This resource kit has been developed to support the roll-out of adult catch-up MMR vaccination.
Immunisation providers in the NEPHU catchment can order free poster printing and delivery.
