Community
24 April, 2026
Residents encouraged to get vaccinated
WITH measles cases and exposure sites being documented across the state, residents are being urged to take advantage of a government scheme to protect themselves.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is being made available for free across a variety of pharmacies, including Camperdown Pharmacy.
Pharmacist Sarah Baker said nearly any adult in the Camperdown area was eligible for the free booster.
“We’re finding with the huge increase in measles cases lots of people’s immunity to the condition has waned, and they need a booster,” she said.
“The government is doing a scheme now where any adult born during or after 1966, if they don’t have two documented doses of a vaccination from childhood, gets it for free.”
The MMR vaccine is also widely available at general practitioner clinics, Aboriginal Health Services and some local councils.
A Medicare card is not required to get this free vaccine.
Children are eligible for the free vaccine through under the National Immunisation Program.
It is routinely administered at 12 months and 18 months or through a free catch-up dose.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red rash.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.