What’s happening?
Twelve measles cases have been confirmed in Far North Queensland since the beginning of this month, prompting the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) to call for stronger national action on vaccination.
Across Australia, 125 cases of measles have been reported so far this year, more than twice the total of 57 recorded in 2024.
The College says nurse immunisers must be given funding and authorisation to establish immunisation clinics with longer opening hours. These clinics should be placed in community spaces that are convenient for families, such as Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, libraries and shopping centres.
Why it matters
“Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it can be controlled well by vaccination,” Australian College of Nursing Chief Nurse Frances Rice said.
She noted that vaccination rates are falling and Queensland is tracking below the national average. “With school holidays almost upon us, Cairns may experience an influx of visitors, so the risk of transmission around the state is elevated.”
Local impact
Public health units are currently tracing contacts in Far North Queensland and working to contain the outbreak. Ms Rice said their efforts deserve recognition but stressed that vaccination remains the most effective defence. “The longer this outbreak runs, the harder it will be to contain. The best protection against it is vaccination and authorities need to urgently act to boost vaccination coverage in the region.”
By the numbers
-
12 measles cases confirmed in Far North Queensland this month.
-
125 cases nationally in 2025, compared with 57 cases in 2024.
-
Queensland’s measles, mumps and rubella vaccine coverage for two-year-olds is 90.33 per cent, below the national average of 91.38 per cent.
-
For five-year-olds, Queensland sits at 91.9 per cent, below the national average of 93.27 per cent.
-
The national target is 95 per cent coverage to achieve herd immunity.
Zoom in
Families are struggling to access vaccines. “Time-poor and busy families often struggle to find an available appointment to take their child to get vaccinated,” Ms Rice said.
She added that vaccines must be brought into communities, rather than waiting for families to make it to clinics. “Getting the vaccines to people rather than waiting for people to go to clinics to get vaccinated will dramatically improve access. Better deployment of nurses can make that happen.”
Zoom out
The measles outbreak reflects a broader national issue. Vaccination rates are declining, and outbreaks will continue unless access improves. “It is up to governments and health authorities to make it as easy as possible for parents to take this vital preventive health step,” Ms Rice said.
She also said nurses are key to lifting vaccination rates. “Nurses can help contain this outbreak. Nurses must be supported by policymakers and employers to be deployed in all settings to lift Australia’s vaccination rates.”
What to look for next
Governments and health authorities face renewed pressure to strengthen vaccination access and coverage nationwide to stop outbreaks spreading beyond Far North Queensland.
