"Nobody wants their summer holiday ruined by illness, especially measles – it can be very serious, with over a third of local cases in the current outbreak receiving hospital treatment."
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The MMR immunisation is very effective at preventing measles, Shoemack said.
"It's important to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all immunisations, and the MMR immunisation in particular. The MMR immunisation is free for everyone in New Zealand.
"Ask yourself – Is my family protected?" Dig out your Well Child or Plunket book and check your immunisation records or if you're still unsure simply ask your doctor."
About 95 per cent of people will be protected from measles after one dose of MMR vaccine, and about 99 per cent of people who have had two MMR doses will be protected from measles.
People born before January 1 1969 are also considered to be immune to measles.
"It's never too late to catch up if you or your children need to be immunised. Contact your family doctor or practice nurse to make an appointment to be immunised today," Shoemack said.