Global measles ‘resurgence’ prompts NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant to push for vaccinations

A global resurgence of measles has prompted a public health warning and a push for vaccinations in NSW.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged the state’s residents to protect themselves against the disease.

“Two doses of measles vaccination affords incredible measles protection — about 90 per cent,” Chant said on Wednesday.

Chant specifically addressed people returning home from overseas trips and those planning on international travel, including over the school holidays and Easter long weekend.

Of the 17 cases of measles reported in NSW so far in 2025, 11 have occurred in returned travellers.

“Then there were some transmissions within households and to the broader community,” Chant said.

It comes as measles alerts are issued across Australia.

Sydney Children’s Hospital Network infectious diseases paediatrician associate professor Philip Britton said he believes Australians have “become complacent” when it comes to the “terrible disease”.

Britton said he “didn’t really come across” measles during his first 10 years working in paediatrics in Australia.

“But I’ve increasingly come across (measles) in the last few years,” he said.

“It’s a disease that causes children to end up in hospital, it’s a disease that causes children to have complications like pneumonia, and even things like encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.”

Chant said proper measles vaccination coverage is important, adding vaccines are free for much of the population.

The vaccine is free for Australians born after 1966, who have not had two documented cases of measles.

The vaccination can be obtained at the pharmacy for any patients older than age five and then administered by GPs, Chant said.