Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Measles Cases Rising Globally: Should Vaccination Timing Change?
Measles is spreading around the world, so doctors are talking about when to give kids shots to stop it.
Measles is a sickness that can make kids very sick.
Babies get some protection from their moms at first.
But this protection wears off, and the shots may not work as well.
Scientists found out that babies lose this protection faster than thought.
In Australia, kids usually get shots at 12 and 18 months.
Some doctors wonder if we should give the shot earlier.
Giving the shot earlier might protect more kids, but could be hard to do, and needs more research.
Measles cases are surging worldwide, with an estimated 10.3 million cases in 2023.
Australia has seen a rise in measles cases, primarily linked to international travel.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health issues.
The World Health Organization recommends high vaccination coverage to prevent spread.
A recent study suggests that maternal antibodies decline earlier than previously thought.
- Who
- Measles is a viral disease that primarily affects children.
- What
- Measles cases are surging globally, leading to discussions about vaccination timing.
- When
- Measles cases increased in 2023, and early 2025 saw a rise in Australia.
- Where
- Outbreaks are reported globally, including the United States, Europe, and the Western Pacific region, particularly in Australia.
- Why
- Low and declining vaccine coverage, especially since the COVID pandemic, is driving global outbreaks.
Proponents of Earlier Vaccination
Supporters of Current Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Proponents of Earlier Vaccination
Data suggests the current first dose of measles vaccine may be given too late, given maternal antibodies decline early.
Supporters of Current Vaccination Schedule
While there might be a case for broadening the age for an extra dose for at-risk children, the current routine immunization schedule in Australia is unlikely to change.
- Global Cases in 2023
- Estimated 10.3 million
- Increase from 2022
- 20%
- Cases in Australia (first 5 months of 2025)
- 77
- Cases in Australia (2024 total)
- 57
- Australian MMR Vaccination at 2 years
- 92%
- WHO Recommendation
- Two-dose vaccination coverage above 95%
