Overview

• A Murdoch Children’s Research Institute review shows maternal measles antibodies drop from 81% at birth to 30% by four months in low- and middle-income settings.
• Administering a first measles dose between four and seven months of age elicits a strong immune response in infants.
• Nearly 400,000 measles cases were reported in 2024 and over 16,000 in early 2025, with COVID-19 disruptions and rising hesitancy undermining routine immunization.
• Experts warn that achieving the 95% two-dose coverage needed for herd immunity remains a major global challenge.
• New Zealand now advises an additional measles shot at four months for infants traveling to regions with active transmission.