HR Insights: Workplace Health & Safety | Measles Preparedness

A Guide for Businesses and Organisations: Measles Preparedness

Understanding the Risk

Measles cases have recently been identified across New Zealand, including Te Waipounamu. This highly contagious virus can make most people very unwell and can disrupt workplaces if staff need to stay home. Preparing your organisation now helps protect employees, visitors, and ensures business continuity.

The Role of Immunisation

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Staff who are immune can continue working if exposed, while non-immune staff will need to quarantine. Encouraging employees to confirm their immunisation status is key to minimising workplace disruption.

Checking Immunisation Status

Employees are considered fully immunised if they have received two documented doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age. Those born or living in New Zealand
before 1 January 1969, or with prior measles infection, are generally considered immune.

Staff can:

• Check guidance at info.health.nz/measles-immunity

• Call 0800 28 29 26 if unsure of their status

• Verify overseas vaccination records with a New Zealand healthcare provider

Employees who are not immune will need to stay home if exposed to measles.

Promoting Vaccination

For staff not fully immunised or uncertain, the MMR vaccine is free for anyone under 18, or for those eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand. Extra doses are safe for most people. Vaccinations can be booked through pharmacies, doctors, nurses, or Hauora Māori and Pacific Health providers. To learn more on how or where to book, visit info.health.nz/bookavaccine.

Immunisation for Groups: Groups aged 13 or older can arrange immunisation via Book My Vaccine or by phone at 0800 28 29 26.

Protecting Families and Households

Encourage staff to ensure their whānau are also vaccinated. This reduces the likelihood that employees will need to stay home to care for children exposed at school or early childhood centres.

⚠️What to Do if Measles Occurs in Your Organisation

1. If Someone Shows Measles Symptoms or is diagnosed

If someone in your organisation has measles symptoms or is diagnosed with measles:

• They should stay home and contact Healthline (0800 611 116) or their usual healthcare provider. [add more here??.]
• Health New Zealand contact tracing for measles will be initiated to help prevent and contain the outbreak. Learn more about locations of interest here.
  
  

2. Managing Suspected Cases at Work

 If someone in your organisation has or develops measles symptoms:

• They should stay home and contact Healthline (0800 611 116) or their usual healthcare provider.

• Employers should contact Public Health before issuing any internal or external communications. Public Health will manage contact tracing, assess risks in workplaces, and provide guidance on notifications.
  
  

3. Handling Close Contacts

If someone with measles was near you, you may have been exposed. Measles is very contagious and serious, anyone who is not immune can get infected and become very sick. Staff identified as close contacts who are not immune must be

• excluded from work from day 7 after first exposure to day 14 after last exposure.
• Healthcare workers may face longer restrictions (up to 21 days) due to higher transmission risk. Contacts should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure to the case.

Further Information

External Resources to support you -

Guide for business and organisations: Measles preparedness [PDF Download]

Measles Immunity Guidance – Health NZ →

Book an MMR Vaccine – Health NZ →

Healthline – 0800 611 116