8.5.2023
No new measles cases have been identified by Auckland Regional Public Health Service to date.
The two cases announced last week have completed their isolation periods and been released by public health, as they are no longer at risk of passing on measles to others. Their household has also now been released from quarantine, as they are considered immune.
As of 3pm today, there are approximately 50 Albany Senior High School students plus a small number of staff without adequate proof of immunity to measles. These individuals are still in quarantine and in regular contact with public health.
Pop-up blood testing clinics were available last week and earlier today for staff and students without a record of immunity. Those who receive a result that shows they are immune and protected against measles will be free to leave quarantine once contacted by public health. Tests from today are being processed as quickly as possible by laboratories, to enable school staff to return to work.
Albany Senior High School has confirmed it will reopen for face to face learning from tomorrow. The school has decided it can operate at safe staffing levels, as sufficient numbers of staff have now been given clearance to leave quarantine by public health. This has also been communicated to staff and parents. It is important non-immune students and staff continue to remain at home in quarantine until cleared by public health.
Te Whatu Ora is working with Albany Senior High School to arrange an on-site pop-up vaccination clinic in the next few weeks. Staff, students and whānau of those at the school will be encouraged to get their measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations if they were born after 1 January 1969 and haven’t had two MMR doses or don’t have any record of having these.
Measles vaccination urged
We are continuing to strongly encourage everyone who is elibile for two doses of the MMR vaccine to get themselves and any eligible children immunised.
The MMR vaccine is offered to tamariki on the schedule at 12 months and 15 months.
For those who missed out on their MMR immunisations, it’s free for everyone under 18 years old – it does not matter what your visa or citizenship status is. This includes visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand.
For people over 18 years old, the MMR vaccine is free if you’re a resident, or eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand. Adults born before 1969 are not able to have an MMR vaccine.
Contact your usual doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider to book an appointment. People over 3 years old can get an MMR vaccine at lots of pharmacies. You can search for one near you on Healthpoint.
ENDS
Media contact: hnzmedia@health.govt.nz