NSW: AMA backs calls for measles vaccination

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2001
NSW: AMA backs calls for measles vaccination

SYDNEY, Aug 3 AAP - Young people aged between 18 and 30 should ensure they were vaccinated
against measles, mumps and rubella, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) said today.

New South Wales AMA president Michael Ridley said the diseases could be unpleasant
and have life threatening complications.

People between the ages of 18 and 30 were being targeted with a free vaccine because
they were unlikely to have had the measles and the vaccine was unavailable when they were
children, Dr Ridley said.

"Infection from just the measles virus can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia,
encephalitis and brain degeneration," Dr Ridley said in a statement.

"By having a combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccination (MMR), people within the
community will reduce their risk of suffering from these serious illnesses."

AAP ph/mk/apm

KEYWORD: MEASLES

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