Measles vaccination at 9 months: what parents should know

Follow the schedule recorded by your child's vaccination service, because an early dose does not always replace doses due at older ages.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a spreading rash. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise the virus before a future exposure. A dose at 9 months may be part of the local childhood schedule or advised when earlier protection is needed, such as during an outbreak or before travel. The product may be a measles-only vaccine or a combined vaccine such as MMR.

Protection from an early dose can be less dependable because antibodies passed from the mother may still interfere with the baby's immune response. This is why the vaccination record may include additional measles-containing doses later.

Bring your child's vaccination record and tell the clinician about previous vaccine reactions, severe allergies, medicines, immune-system problems, recent blood products, or a current illness. A mild cold does not necessarily prevent vaccination, but the clinician should assess a baby who is acutely unwell or has a significant fever.

After the injection, offer normal feeds and fluids, and watch how your baby behaves. Mild soreness at the injection site, fever, irritability or a light rash can occur. Do not give aspirin to a child. If medicine for discomfort or fever is being considered, ask a clinician or pharmacist which product and dose suit your baby's weight and health.

Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, unusual unresponsiveness, or a seizure. Contact a clinician promptly if your baby has a fever that worries you, feeds poorly, has fewer wet nappies, develops a rash with breathing difficulty, or seems increasingly unwell.

If measles exposure is suspected, call the clinic before attending so staff can limit exposure to other patients. Describe the contact, symptoms and vaccination history; do not wait for a rash if the child already has fever with cough, runny nose or red eyes.

Ask which vaccine product is being offered, why it is recommended now, and which future doses should appear on the record. Also check what reactions to expect, which symptoms require a call, and whether upcoming travel or a known measles contact changes the plan.