Measles vaccinations
Measles is a serious viral infection that causes a high fever, cough, runny nose and a distinctive rash on the body. If left unmanaged, it can lead to severe complications, particularly for those immunocompromised or pregnant. Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through droplets from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days (and up to 18 days) after exposure to the virus.
Monash University has support available to all students and, through University Health Services, provides free measles vaccinations to help protect our campus community.
Vaccinations
If you’re not fully vaccinated against measles or unsure of your vaccination status, it's strongly recommended you get vaccinated. This will provide you with protection for future exposure to measles.
Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is part of the National Immunisation Program for people born after 1966.
You can check your vaccination history in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) through MyGov or your childhood vaccination records. Take a look at Better Health’s measles page for more information about the vaccine.
Book an appointment
We're currently experiencing high demand for measles vaccinations. If you'd prefer not to wait, you can also get vaccinated at a GP clinic or a pharmacy. Thanks for your patience.
Monash offers free measles vaccines for all students who do not have two documented doses, or are unsure of their vaccination status. This is especially important for those planning international travel.
You can book a free vaccination appointment online, or by calling UHS (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm):
- Clayton campus: 03 9905 3175
- Caulfield campus: 03 9903 1177
- Peninsula campus: 03 9904 4615
You can also get free measles vaccinations at most GP clinics (visit find a GP to locate a clinic near you), and some pharmacies.
You won’t need to get a blood test before your vaccination appointment.
What if I develop symptoms?
If you develop symptoms of measles, seek medical care immediately and follow these steps:
- Wear a mask and isolate: To prevent spreading the virus, wear a mask and isolate yourself.
- Call ahead of your UHS appointment: On campus, you can contact the University Health Services before visiting and advise them that you have symptoms of measles (to ensure you can be isolated from others).
- Call a UHS clinic (phone numbers listed above) and ask to speak to the nurse. Please don't book an appointment online.
- Tell the nurse you’ve been in contact with a measles case (if applicable) and you’re feeling unwell.
- The nurse will ask questions, arrange an appointment and provide instructions for your visit.
- Visit a GP clinic: Book an appointment with your doctor, or go to find a GP to locate a clinic near you. Just make sure you call ahead and let them know you have symptoms of measles before you arrive for your appointment.
- Seek urgent care: If you need care outside of GP clinic hours, visit an Urgent Care Clinics. These clinics offer urgent (but not emergency) care and are cost-free for those with or without a Medicare card. Call ahead to explain the situation so arrangements can be made to minimise possible spread, and remember to wear a mask.
- Go to a hospital emergency department: If you require emergency care outside of University Health Service and Urgent Care Clinic hours, please call ahead to explain the situation so arrangements can be made to minimise possible spread. Remember to wear a mask.
Support for students
The health, safety and wellbeing of our students is our key priority. If you need support, please reach out to the University counselling services on (03) 9905 3020.