• Katherine B Gibney, Aicha Brahmi, Miriam O'Hara, Rosemary Morey, and Lucinda Franklin.
• Health Protection Branch, Department of Health & Human Services Victoria.
• Aust N Z J Public Health. 2017 Feb 1; 41 (1): 80-84.

ObjectiveTo identify barriers to control of a Victorian primary school-based measles outbreak.MethodsConfirmed measles cases notified in Victoria in 2014 were reviewed. Surveillance data, correspondence, and investigation notes for the school-based outbreak were assessed regarding timeliness of diagnosis and notification, and adequacy of school-based immunisation records.ResultsTwenty-three (31%) of the 75 measles cases notified in 2014 were school-aged (5-18 years); three had documentation of measles vaccination, 17 were unvaccinated, and three had unknown vaccination history. Eight measles outbreaks were identified, including a primary school-based outbreak with ten cases. Of the six unvaccinated pupils in the affected school, five (83%) contracted measles. The proportion of the school's prep students with documented vaccination records, as required by law, ranged from 39% in 2013 to 97% in 2014.ConclusionsInadequately vaccinated students constitute a vulnerable population and schools are a potential site for measles outbreaks. Inadequate enforcement of school-based immunisation records impact the management and control of school-based measles outbreaks. Implications for Public Health: There is a need to educate clinicians on measles diagnosis and notification, and schools on the requirement to maintain up-to-date vaccination records. School entry is an opportunity to review student vaccination history and offer immunisations.© 2016 The Authors.

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