Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) CEO David Meates said today that there were 39 confirmed measles cases, in a recent appearance on Newstalk ZB with Chris Lynch.

David Meates Image/Video Screen Shot
David Meates
Image/Video Screen Shot

“The most effective way to stop the spread of measles in our community is to vaccinate those who have never received an MMR vaccine,” says Medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink.

Medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink says primary care have done a great job providing the MMR vaccine to those in the initial priority group – people aged 12 months to 28 years who have never been vaccinated.

“There’s been a concerted effort over the last month to increase uptake amongst this group, and we’re now widening the net so we can create greater immunity in our community.”

As well continuing to provide the vaccine to those aged 12 months to 28 years old who have never been vaccinated, we’re extending the availability of a second dose of MMR vaccine to: all those aged 12 months – 28 years, caregivers of infants aged up to 12 months and to those between 29 and 50 who work with children.

Dr Pink says extending the second dose to these groups recognizes the importance of stopping the transmission of measles amongst young people.

SmileDirectClub