Vaccination Services

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus called Rubeola virus. This can be transmitted by airborne droplets which are spread by coughing or sneezing or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons. The virus can last for two hours in the air or on a surface that a person has coughed or sneezed. The patient can pass the disease to other persons from 4 days before to 4 days after appearance of the rash.

Affected persons will present initially with fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and white (Koplik’s) spots inside the mouth. This is followed 3 to 7 days later by a red blotchy skin rash, which usually spreads from face to the rest of the body. The rash usually lasts 4 - 7 days, but can persist for up to 3 weeks. In severe cases, lung, gut and brain can get involved and lead to serious consequences or even death.

Vaccination against measles is the most effective way to prevent the disease. For those who have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine or confirmed to have measles infection in the past are considered to be immune to measles.

All patients are required to have a consultation with their HKMC doctor before proceeding to have the vaccine.

For people born before 1967 who are unclear on their vaccination schedule, they may proceed to have a measles antibody blood test to check the antibody level against measles.

Those who intend to travel to areas with recent measles outbreak are urged to review their vaccination history and past medical history. Non-immune individuals are advised to consult their doctors about measles vaccination at least two weeks before departure.