Health Care Agency re-introduces measles and rubella vaccine |04 July 2025

Health Care Agency re-introduces measles and rubella vaccine

The Health Care Agency has announced the availability of the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine to the general population, free of charge, for both Seychellois citizens and migrant workers, starting July 7, 2025.

In a press release issued yesterday the agency said this strategic move comes in response to a concerning global resurgence of measles, with recent outbreaks reported in several countries, including the United States and parts of Europe.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that affects only humans and can lead to severe health complications, especially among unvaccinated individuals, explained the Health Care Agency (HCA). Similarly, rubella poses serious risks during pregnancy, including miscarriage and congenital birth defects, it added.

“Although Seychelles has made significant progress in disease prevention, introducing the measles vaccine in 1967 and rubella in 1980, gaps in global vaccine coverage continue to pose a serious threat.”

Recognising the country's dependency on tourism and the presence of a large migrant workforce, the Health Care Agency previously launched a national vaccination campaign in 2019–2020, targeting all residents, including Seychellois born before 1988. The Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine will now be made available to all residents at their community health centres and the Occupational Health Unit as from next Monday.

“We especially urge migrant workers to avail themselves of this free and essential service,” read the communique.

Further details will be provided during a press conference on Monday. Meanwhile, residents are requested to call their respective health centres for appointments and for more information.

Contributed