On this page

What you need to do

You can continue your usual activities such as work or school, if you are feeling well.

Watch out for measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure to the measles

Measles symptoms can start anywhere from 7 to 21 days after you have been exposed to someone with measles but usually start within 10 days.

Measles symptoms include:

  • runny nose
  • cough
  • sore and watery pink eyes
  • fever
  • red blotchy rash – a measles rash usually appears 3 to 5 days after other symptoms and most people will have a fever at this time — it often starts with blotchy red spots on the face and spreads down the body over time. 

Symptoms of measles

At any time, if you develop symptoms of measles, stay at home and contact your healthcare provider or call Healthline free on 0800 611 116, anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for advice. Tell staff you are a measles casual contact.

Seeking healthcare

If you are told to visit a healthcare facility:

  • call ahead so they can prepare to protect others from being exposed
  • wear a disposable face mask that always covers you nose and mouth during your visit.

If you feel very unwell or it is an emergency, call 111.

Check if you are immune to measles

For information on how to check if you are immune, visit our measles immunity page. 

Checking if you are immune to measles

If you are immune to measles, you do not need to do anything except continue to watch out for measles symptoms.

If you are not immune, or you do not know if you are immune to measles, get immunised. It is free for most people.

  • Get immunised unless you are pregnant or you have a condition that affects your immune system.
  • You will need to receive 2 measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines after the age of 12 months and at least one month apart to be fully protected.
  • It is safe to have another MMR vaccine even if it is possible you are already immune to measles.

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

You can book a measles vaccine appointment online. 

Book a measles vaccineexternal link

If you are pregnant, or have a condition that affects your immune system

Talk to your doctor, lead maternity carer or other healthcare provider.

  • If you are pregnant, you cannot have the measles vaccine until after your pēpi is born.
  • If you have a condition, or are taking medication, that could affect your immune system, you may need to delay getting a measles vaccine.