Free measles vaccines now available

Free measles vaccines now available

The University of Queensland Health Service has received supplies of measles vaccines which will be made available free to younger University community members.

Health Service director Dr Tony Arklay said Queensland Health had supplied the vaccines following reports of several cases of measles in young people in south-east Queensland this week.

"Measles is a contagious disease which can make patients ill, and interfere with examinations or holidays," Dr Arklay said.

The vaccines are available to people who were born after 1970, have never had proven measles, never had a measles vaccine or are just not sure*, and are not pregnant.

(*School rubella vaccinations before October 1995 did not contain the measles component of the vaccine and do not provide protection against measles.)

People wishing to receive a free vaccine can contact the University Health Service, telephone 3365 6210.