News & Updates

Measles cases have been identified across Aotearoa New Zealand recently. Measles is a serious illness that spreads easily if you’re not immune. Health New Zealand is therefore urging everyone to make sure you’re protected against the virus, and to get the vaccine if you’re not immune or not sure.

1.  How to check if you’re protected against measles

 You are protected against measles and considered immune if you:

• were born or lived in New Zealand before 1 January 1969

• have had two recorded doses of a measles vaccine after the age of 12 months old

• have had measles previously (and it’s documented in your health records).

Your immunisation records can be found or checked:

• in your individual Plunket / Well Child Tamariki Ora Books

• by pharmacies or your doctor (including via online self-service apps and portals, such as Manage My Health)

• by calling the Vaccine Helpline on 0800 11 12 13. This has interpreters if you require one.

People vaccinated overseas can also give their vaccination records to a New Zealand healthcare provider to check they are vaccinated.

 

2. If you’re not protected or not sure

If you haven’t been immunised, aren’t sure, or don’t have any records, the best thing to do is to get immunised. This will help to protect you, your family and your community from measles, and also means you won’t have to stay home in quarantine if you have close contact with a measles case.

The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for adults over 18 if you are eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand, and anyone under 18.

Immunisations appointments can be booked:

• at participating pharmacies, listed on Healthpoint

• online at: info.health.nz/booking-a-vaccine

• by calling the Vaccine Helpline on: 0800 28 29 26

• at general practice and hauora providers

 

3. Getting immunised before you travel

With measles outbreaks occurring across the world, it’s especially important to check your immunisation status and to catch up on any missed MMR vaccinations as soon as possible before leaving New Zealand.

Health New Zealand is also reminding people who have recently returned from overseas travel or have family visiting from abroad to monitor for measles symptoms.  These include a runny nose, fever, cough, and sore red eyes, following by a rash. If you or anyone else develops symptoms call Healthline on 0800 611 116. Please call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider, this allows them to take steps to prevent the illness spreading.

 

4. For more information

For more information on measles, checking immunity, and getting immunised, visit: info.health.nz/measles.

Translated information and alternate format resources are also available at: info.health.nz/about-measles.

Guidance for employers is available at: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/clinical-guidance/diseases-and-conditions/measles/measles-key-actions-for-workplaces.

    Asian and Ethnic Health Services (AEHS), Health NZ, is hosting a monthly Lunchtime     Learning Series: Learning  Together / Te Ako Tahi throughout 2025.

   Learning Together / Te Ako Tahi webinars are providing valuable insights from cultural               perspectives on key topics in healthcare, including:

• Population health - Asian and ethnic communities
• Mental health and wellbeing in Asian and ethnic communities
• Migrant and former refugee health

• When           Thursday 4 December 2025, 12pm to 1pm
• Topic            Mental Health and Wellbeing: An African Perspective
• Presenter     Genevieve Kayembe N. (Volunteer Coordinator, North Shore & Waitakere Hospitals, Health New Zealand)
• Facilitator    Dr Ayan Said (Regional Health Promoter, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Health New Zealand; Chairperson, Auckland Branch of Public Health Association of New Zealand)

  In October 2025, the age extension for further breast screening began with women
  in the two age groups of 70 and 74.

  If you are eligible, you should receive an invitation to screen via email, text or letter.

  For further info is available in English, Hindi, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. 

    Asian and Ethnic Health Services (AEHS), Health NZ, is hosting a monthly Lunchtime     Learning Series: Learning  Together / Te Ako Tahi throughout 2025.

   Learning Together / Te Ako Tahi webinars are providing valuable insights from cultural               perspectives on key topics in healthcare, including:

• Population health - Asian and ethnic communities
• Mental health and wellbeing in Asian and ethnic communities
• Migrant and former refugee health

• When           Tuesday 18 November 2025, 12pm to 1pm
• Topic            Mental Health and Wellbeing in Muslim Communities
• Presenter     Janifa Bhamji (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Hauā | Service Manager Pou Arahi Rōpu Awhina | Kāhui Tū Kaha)
• Facilitator   Dr Nadia Charania (Associate Professor – Public Health, Deputy Director – New Zealand Policy Research Institute, Co-Director – Migrant and Refugee Health Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology)

  Healthy Mother Healthy Future (HMHF) – Japanese Playgroup

  “Being a mum can be tough, but it’s easier with a strong support network!”

The Healthy Mother Healthy Future (HMHF) – Asian Perinatal Wellbeing Programme is hosting a health workshop for the Japanese Playgroup, provided by Asian and Ethnic Health Services (AEHS), Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora, in collaboration with Plunket’s Japanese Playgroup.

Join us for a friendly and informative workshop designed for mums, mums-to-be, and families.

 
 Date : Wednesday, 12 November 2025
 Time : 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
 Venue : Ōrākei Plunket Clinic (16 Kupe Street)

All are welcome — babies, toddlers, partners, and support people too!

For any questions, please contact: Asian Health Line: 0800 88 88 30  Email: asianhealthline@tewhatuora.govt.nz

This flyer is available in English and Japanese.

Some health workers are planning to strike on Thursday 23 October to 7am on Friday 24 October. Please click here or the image to view it in full size.

    Asian and Ethnic Health Services (AEHS), Health NZ, is hosting a monthly Lunchtime     Learning Series: Learning  Together / Te Ako Tahi throughout 2025.

   Learning Together / Te Ako Tahi webinars are providing valuable insights from cultural               perspectives on key topics in healthcare, including:

• Population health - Asian and ethnic communities
• Mental health and wellbeing in Asian and ethnic communities
• Migrant and former refugee health

• When           Wednesday 22 October 2025, 12pm to 1pm
• Topic            Working with Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Aotearoa
• Presenter     Lynda Crisford, Clinical Director, Refugees as Survivors New Zealand (RASNZ);                                                                        Aklilu Hibtit, Cultural Director, RASNZ; and Ray Gesta, Body Therapist (RASNZ)
• Facilitator    Jannine Nock (Manager Migrant Wellbeing, NZ Red Cross)

A 48-hour senior doctors’ strike is planned for Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th September. Please click here or the image to view it in full size.

Asian and Ethnic Health Services (AEHS), Health NZ, is hosting a monthly Lunchtime Learning Series: Learning Together / Te Ako Tahi throughout 2025.

Learning Together / Te Ako Tahi webinars are providing valuable insights from cultural perspectives on key topics in healthcare, including:

• Population health - Asian and ethnic communities
• Mental health and wellbeing in Asian and ethnic communities
• Migrant and former refugee health

•  When          22 September 2025, 12pm to 1pm
• Topic           Mental Health and Wellbeing: An Indian/South Asian Perspective
• Presenter    Dr Sachin Jauhari (Clinical Director, Adult Mental Health Services North & Rodney, Waitematā, Health NZ)
• Facilitator    Dr Charmaine Gupta (Service Clinical Director – Child, Youth and Regional Services, Te Toka Tumai, Health NZ)