As families prepare for year-end travel, the holidays and festivities, health officials have issued a reminder that measles remains a real threat.
With 21 cases confirmed in New Zealand and 162 in Australia this year, many Fijian families with loved ones abroad are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Frequent travel between the three countries means the virus can arrive on any flight, and doctors say staying informed is just as important as staying vaccinated.
For many parents, especially those with young children, the concern is personal. Measles spreads through the air before symptoms even appear, making it easy for the virus to move through homes, churches, buses, and workplaces.
Health workers say that this is why every family should know their vaccination status — not out of fear, but out of practical responsibility.
Fiji has a strong immunisation record, and thousands of families keep their child’s health card tucked safely inside a kitchen drawer or school bag. But health staff say it only takes one missed dose to leave a child vulnerable, and one unvaccinated traveller to spark an outbreak.
The measles-rubella vaccine is free, safe, and effective, and adults unsure about their own protection can walk into the nearest health centre for clarification.
Doctors say this simple step helps safeguard babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
As communities gather for church programs, weddings, sports events and holiday celebrations, the Health Ministry is encouraging Fijians to check their records and talk to their family members about it.
