Health experts warn vaccine rates need to increase if New Zealand wants to avoid a measles outbreak

There have been three confirmed cases of measles in Wairarapa, linked to recent overseas travel - they are all connected.

Health New Zealand says the country is at very high risk of a measles outbreak - and needs a 95 percent vaccine rate to prevent spreading.

Greater Wellington Medical Officer Annette Nesdale says it's especially bad for babies and anyone with a compromised immune system

She says in May children aged one to five, had a vaccine rate of 84 percent and across the whole country it's 81 percent.