MOE guidance following increased national risk of measles

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Information for parents and whānau

Health New Zealand has alerted schools to an escalating risk of measles as it responds to an outbreak following confirmation of 13 new cases of measles since 20 October. You might have seen reference to a case at Wellington College and their response, which has involved some rostering home of year groups. 

This escalating risk is a concern, especially for education settings where measles can spread rapidly. In New Zealand, our measles immunisation rates are too low to prevent outbreaks from happening when measles is circulating in our communities. Our low immunisation rates contribute to this lack of community protection.  

Measles is highly contagious and serious – about one in three people may need hospital care. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. 

• Measles is circulating and is very contagious. There is now measles in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu, Nelson and Wellington, and we expect further cases across New Zealand.

• Watch out for symptoms – fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash:

Measles – Health New Zealand 

• Anyone with measles symptoms must stay at home and should seek urgent advice by ringing their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116. 

• Anyone who is closely exposed to a measles case must stay at home. Heath New Zealand will provide individuals with advice on a case-by-case basis (including when they can leave quarantine at home).

• Health New Zealand is actively working with the schools that currently have measles cases.

• People are considered immune to measles after having two doses of a measles vaccine from 12 months or older, or if you have had measles before. For more information on measles immunity visit:

Measles immunity – Health New Zealand

• Check your own and your child/childrens’ immunisation status through My Health Record:

My Health Record – Health New Zealand 

• Anyone born between 1969 and 2004 may have only received one vaccine dose and might not be fully protected. It’s safe to get extra doses. A free vaccine can be booked online or via the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26.