Measles vaccines available in Australia continue to meet quality standards

The latest Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) laboratory testing report finds that the measles vaccines available in Australia continue to meet international quality standards. This finding further assures Australians of the safety of measles vaccines amid global measles outbreaks.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life threatening disease that can affect people at any age. It can be prevented with two doses of a safe and effective vaccine.

There were 285 measles cases in Australia last year, up from 103 cases in 2018. This increase was due to people travelling to Australia from other countries experiencing measles outbreaks.

Measles vaccines are available in Australia in two forms: the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

The TGA tested samples from each of the MMR and MMRV vaccines available in Australia as part of its routine quality testing. All vaccines met the internationally recognised standards.

Laboratory testing is one aspect of the TGA's role in assessing all vaccines for safety, quality and efficacy.

You should talk to your doctor if you are unsure whether you or your children have had two doses of measles vaccine.

More information about measles and getting immunised (vaccinated) is available on the following pages:

• measles (Department of Health)
• getting immunised against measles (Department of Health)
• everything you need to know about measles (Australian Academy of Science).