Measles jab expanded to VIC pharmacies

Sixteen and 17-year-old Victorians won’t have to a doctor to get a measles jab as the state government is making the vaccine available at pharmacies.

The measles-mumps-rubella vaccination program is expected to cost between $2 million and $3 million, with the eligibility age being lowered from 18.

‘We’ve got a group in the community, many of whom haven’t been vaccinated against things like the measles, we’re going to make that available for free through our pharmacies,” Health Minister Jill Hennessy told reporters on Sunday.

Victoria has experienced “significant issues” in the past two years with people coming back from places such as southeast Asia with the measles, with about 40 people affected.

The pharmacy vaccine program was previously only available for flu and whooping cough jabs and while the vaccine will be free, a small service charge could apply.