Information regarding measles is published on the website of the Office of the National Medical Examiner www.landlaeknir.is

Due to many inquiries regarding measles vaccinations: according to the National Medical Examiner, ten thousand doses of vaccine have been distributed to health institutions throughout the country. We are currently working on planning the implementation of the vaccination and it will be announced here on the HVEST website when they are available.

There is no need to call, individuals will be invited for vaccination. Vaccination will be reduced to 12 months, priority will be given to vaccination.

According to the instructions of the Epidemiologist published on 15.3.2019:

Implementation of vaccinations

The Epidemiologist, in consultation with district and regional doctors, has decided the following:

  1. In areas where measles has been detected, such as in the Austfjörður and in the capital area, it will be emphasized that all/most unvaccinated persons between the ages of 6 months and 49 years (born after 1970) receive one vaccination. Vaccinated persons aged 6-12 months need vaccination no. 2 at 18 months of age. Older than 12 months only need one vaccination (and then again at 12).
  2. Exposed persons receive vaccination within 72 hours. after exposure to measles to reduce the chance of illness.
  3. Exposed persons and their close contact group who go into quarantine are vaccinated even if they have been vaccinated before.
  4. Persons over 49 years of age (born before 1970) should not be vaccinated, as there is a high probability that they have had measles at one time.
  5. In areas where measles has not been diagnosed, vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated persons aged 12 months and older (not 6-12 months).
  6. There is no reason to vaccinate children under 12 months especially for traveling abroad, except in exceptional cases to countries where measles is common, but the following 10 countries have the highest incidence of measles according to information from the World Health Organization: Madagascar, Ukraine, India, Brazil, Philippines, Venezuela, Thailand, Pakistan, Yemen and Israel.
  7. With the above recommendations, general vaccinations in Iceland are not being changed. Regular measles vaccinations continue at 18 months of age with a second shot at 12 years of age.
  8. It should be emphasized that a confirmed egg allergy is not a contraindication to vaccination unless the person has a history of life-threatening allergic reactions.

 

Questions and answers about measles https://www.landlaeknir.is/um-embaettid/greinar/grein/item36797/Spurningar-og-svor-vardandi-mislinga