17 November 2019

With the holiday season looming, SouthSeas Healthcare is urging South Auckland families travelling to Samoa to stay alert to symptoms of measles and ensure that young children and the elderly receive their MMR vaccinations before departure.

Samoa has now declared a measles epidemic and families travelling to and from Samoa need to be on high alert and travellers are strongly advised to get immunised at least two weeks before they depart.

Health authorities say measles is a highly contagious disease and are asking visitors to Samoa to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing, keep children home if sick, and stay hydrated.

New Zealand has responded by sending three thousand measles vaccines along with New Zealand nurses and medical supplies to assist in containing the growing outbreak of measles in Samoa.

If you think you or someone in your family will be travelling to Samoa, call us ahead for advice. We can talk about the symptoms and make arrangements to assess you safely and without infecting other people.

We encourage anyone aged between six months and 30 years old who has not had an MMR vaccine before should get vaccinated.

Immunisation is very effective in preventing measles and vaccination is free. If you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated, you can check your vaccination status by contacting one of our nurses in the clinic.

Click here to access more information on measles on the Ministry of Health website or call us on 09 273 9017 for advice.

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