There have been more measles cases recorded in Australia in four months than in the whole of 2024. Nurses say they have the answer.
The federal government should set up nurse-led pop-up vaccination clinics to combat the current measles outbreaks, says the Australian College of Nursing.
As of last Friday, there were 71 cases of measles recorded in Australia – more than for the entire year of 2024.
“The national target for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage is 95%, but from 2022 to 2023, vaccine uptake for children at 24 months of age dropped by 0.4% to 94.7%,” said the ACN’s CEO, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz.
“This might seem minor, but with a disease as highly contagious as measles, even small declines in vaccination rates can have significant consequences for community protection.
“We need political leaders at the federal, state, territory and local government levels to corral resources to offer MMR catch-up clinics for target populations.
“We need to make sure clinics are accessible to diverse sections of the community.
“This would complement GP clinics, which are overrun and struggle to provide the flexible service that support families and individuals to get vaccinated.”
Nurses at pop-up clinics could also administer flu vaccines and assess a patient’s vaccination status to develop any required catch-up schedules, said the ACN.
According to the college, the DoHAC should partner with state and territory health departments to set up an operational team to target low-coverage areas and, in conjunction with community leaders, find suitable and accessible venues with hours tailored to community needs.
Consideration could be given to pharmacies and urgent care clinics hosting nurse immunisers.
“The number one defence against the spread of measles is immunisation,” said Professor Zeitz.
“Two doses of the measles vaccine offer 99% protection against illness and serious complications. It’s safe, effective, free and the best way to avoid serious illness.
“We must remember that the global movement of people means diseases like measles remain an ongoing threat, even in countries with strong vaccination programs.
“Nurses are the backbone of Australia’s immunisation workforce, administering more vaccines than any other healthcare professional group in Australia.
“As a flexible, highly skilled and trusted health workforce, nurses remain vigilant and ready to respond to protect public health.”
