Measles in New Zealand

Nikki Turner discusses the management of measles in New Zealand. Nikki is an academic General Practitioner and an Associate Professor in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Auckland. She works part time as a GP in Wellington and is Director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC).

Topics

What is measles?
What do we need to look for?
How is the virus transmitted?
What precautions should we take in our surgery?
What do we do if we think we have a suspected case?
The management of measles and possible complications.
Vaccination strategy and MMR vaccine myths.
Should we use an antipyretic?
Is herd immunity enough?

Take home messages

It is perfectly feasible to be able to eradicate measles in NZ.
These vaccines are effective with a high safety rating.
Get immunised - measles is highly contagious and it can kill or cause brain damage.

Resources

IMAC
Measles NZ MOH
Measles Centre for Disease Control USA
Measles DermNet NZ
Measles patient information Health Navigator NZ

Patient Resources

Presenter

Nikki Turner

Director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre

To contact Nikki Click here.

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The Goodfellow Unit podcast is funded in part by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.