General News
3 February, 2026
Council offers free measles immunisation
Central Goldfields Shire’s (CGSC) Immunisation service is offering a free and convenient adult measles immunisation clinic to help combat the significant increase in measles cases across Victoria over the last year.
A nationwide increase in cases has been driven by adults returning from overseas who have only had one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, usually as children.
For effective protection, a second dose of the MMR vaccine is needed.
CGSC deputy mayor Anna de Villiers said it’s important to improve the vaccination rate across the shire to meet the Australian target of 95 percent.
“There has been reported increases in cases of measles over the last year across Australia. Many of these are associated with exposure to returning travellers,” she said.
“Measles remains a very significant disease which can lead to serious complications.
“Because of the increase in cases, the Department of Health has advised that adults who have only had one measles vaccination receive another to be fully immunised.”
CGSC’s coordinator for immuni-sation services Anthea Kofoed said measles was a highly contagious disease that is particularly dangerous to young children.
“It can cause a whole range of complications in babies and young children who can contract the virus from a nearby adult days before any rash has appeared on their skin,” she said.
“By coughing and sneezing, the virus becomes airborne and can survive for hours.
“The best way to protect young children is to make sure all of the adults around them are properly immunised with that second dose of the vaccine. Adults between 20 and 59 years need to check their immunisation record.”
Bookings can be made using the QR code at the end of this article, or by phoning 0428 894 724.
The measles immunisation clinic will be based at the Maryborough Community Hub, and will be free with no Medicare card required.
The clinic will be open on Thursday, February 5 from 5.30 to
8 pm.
The incentive is funded by the Victorian Government through the Grampians Public Health Unit.
