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Traveller Health

Is Measles Returning in 2025?

For Hongkongers who love traveling to Japan and other popular destinations, the threat of measles might be closer than you think! According to the Centre for Health Protection, there were 9 confirmed measles cases in Hong Kong as of September 2024, with patients having visited Mainland China and Southeast Asia before symptoms appeared.

Why Should We Care About Measles?

For Hongkongers who love traveling to Japan and other popular destinations, the threat of measles might be closer than you think! According to the Centre for Health Protection, there were 9 confirmed measles cases in Hong Kong as of September 2024, with patients having visited Mainland China and Southeast Asia before symptoms appeared. Whether traveling for leisure or business, it’s crucial to take preventive steps, especially with current measles outbreaks in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and parts of the United States. Measles is highly contagious, so make sure you’re protected before traveling.

Shoebill and the Government’s Measles Vaccination Programme

In 2019, Hong Kong’s airport and community experienced a measles outbreak. Shoebill Health Care was the designated service provider for the "Free Measles Vaccination Mop-up Programme" in the Hong Kong Island area. We helped administer over 60,000 MMR vaccines, helping curb the outbreak’s spread.

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What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, mainly transmitted through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and a full-body rash. Measles can lead to serious complications, even fatal ones, can affect people of all ages. Therefore, Taking precautions is essential.

How to Prevent Measles?

Measles is primarily airborne, so along with maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent it. Under "Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme", children receive 2 doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which provides 97% immunity, offering lifelong protection for most.

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Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Anyone born between 1967 and 2002, who lacks immunity and frequently travels to high-risk areas like Mainland China, Southeast Asia or Africa, should consider vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that individuals without immunity or an unclear vaccination history receive 2 doses of the measles vaccine. Those who’ve had 1 dose in the past can receive a booster shot. Check your vaccination records to see if you need to get vaccinated.

  • High Risk for Infants and Young Children: Households with infants should take extra precautions. Measles can cause severe complications in unvaccinated infants, such as pneumonia, permanent brain damage or hearing loss. Since children receive their first MMR dose at 12 months, parents and caregivers without immunity might unknowingly spread measles to vulnerable infants.
  • Required for Overseas Study: Most overseas universities require proof of MMR vaccination. Students applying for admission need to complete 2 doses. If no vaccination record is available, some institutions may accept antibody testing, with a negative result requiring a full 2-dose series.

Measles Vaccine Options

Currently, all measles vaccines registered in Hong Kong are combined vaccines. At Shoebill, we offer 2 effective measles vaccines: GSK’s Priorix MMR vaccine and MSD’s ProQuad MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine. Both vaccines offer effective protection against measles, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between the 2 doses. Due to the recurring measles outbreaks, vaccine supply at private clinics has occasionally been limited. For those in need, it’s best to get vaccinated early. Feel free to reach out to our medical team for more details.

Don’t Let Measles Disrupt Your Plans!

If you’re planning to travel, consider visiting Shoebill Co-Traveller - Travel Health Management Center for vaccination. We are the Hong Kong’s first private travel health clinic, offering professional travel health consultations and vaccinations tailored to both individuals and groups. Our team holds accredited professional qualifications and is listed in the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) Global Travel Clinic Directory. With Shoebill, safeguard your health and enjoy your journey worry-free!

Reference:

Communicable Diseases: Measles (Centre for Health Protection, 2023) Measles (WHO, 2024)