Australians urged to check measles vaccination status

It comes after a woman travelled to several Western Sydney locations while infectious with measles. NSW Health issued an alert on March 31.

She contracted the disease from an infant in mid-March and travelled to the following site while infectious:

Anyone who visited during the indicated times should monitor for signs and symptoms of measles until April 16.

"Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body," Acting director of the public health unit at Western Sydney Local Health District Dr Moreira said.

"Anyone who develops symptoms should see their GP and call ahead to make sure they are not put in the waiting room with other patients."

While there is no ongoing threat to the community, health experts are using the warning as a reminder for people to check their immunisation records.

Nationwide, 94.04 per cent of children below five are fully vaccinated against measles and that is approaching the World Health Organisation target of 95 per cent.

People born in or after 1966 should check their immunisation history to ensure they have received two doses of the measles vaccine.

Immunisation history is accessed via myGov and Medicare Online or by asking your doctor or immunisation provider for a copy.

"Two doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine provide lifelong protection against measles.

"If you're not sure whether you've been immunised against measles, it's safe to have a dose," Dr Moreira said.

Free measles vaccine is available in NSW to anyone born from 1966 who doesn't have two documented doses of measles vaccine.

Since the COVID pandemic, measles cases around the world have been on the rise due to lower immunisation rates.

Travellers heading overseas are also urged to check that they are fully vaccinated against the disease.