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Measles Surge: Australia's Immunity Below 95% Amid Travel
5 Jan
Summary
- Australia's childhood vaccination coverage dropped below 95% for the first time in a decade.
- Measles cases in 2025 nearly tripled to 168, up from 57 in 2024.
- A 'Boxing Day cluster' spread measles across multiple states following international travel.
Health authorities nationwide are on high alert due to a sharp increase in measles cases. In 2025, Australia recorded 168 measles cases, a near threefold rise from the 57 cases observed in 2024. This surge is attributed to a decline in childhood vaccination rates, with national coverage for two-year-olds now at 89.7%, falling below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
The rise in infections coincides with increased international travel during the summer holidays. A significant "Boxing Day cluster" emerged, believed to have originated from a single traveler, leading to alerts in New South Wales and South Australia. This cluster has also impacted Western Australia and Victoria, underscoring the contagious nature of the airborne virus.
Authorities are urging all Australians to verify their vaccination status, especially those born in or after 1966 who may be eligible for a free MMR booster. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic red rash, and the virus can remain airborne for up to 30 minutes.
