A Northland kura has vaccinated 97 per cent of its students against measles, helping prevent the spread of the potentially deadly disease.

A total of 117 people in Northland have been infected with measles this year, with the last two waves of the disease being due to exposure in school settings.

But Te Kura o Otangarei in Whangārei has achieved a 97 per cent immunisation coverage rate with MMR, the vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella.

Supplied Myles Ferris, principal of Te Kura o Otangarei, says he is pleased his decile one, mainly Māori school, has achieved high MMR vaccination rates.

It backs up the 95 per cent coverage gained earlier in the year by Hora Hora School, also in Whangārei.

READ MORE:

* Getting 95% herd immunity against measles: How one Northland school did it

* Measles vaccination plan in Northland to improve low baby immunisation rates

* Samoa measles: Five more deaths over night brings tally to 53

* Auckland measles outbreak: Latest confirmed cases, warnings and advice

Northland DHB said public health nurses were in all Northland schools offering MMR vaccines to staff and children.

TOM LEE/STUFF The MMR vaccine is the best protection against potentially deadly measles.

But schools which would like to increase their coverage could get a school roll check to find out which students are unimmunised.

Medical officer of health Dr Catherine Jackson said the immunisation at Te Kura o Otangarei was a great example of public health nurses, schools and whānau working together to ensure tamariki were protected.

"It is great to see such strong leadership in response to the high numbers of measles cases occurring across Northland," she said.

Te Kura o Otangarei principal Myles Ferris said the vaccination work was not only about protecting students but also those vulnerable to the disease.

"With what we have seen in Samoa it is clear that we need to do more to protect others. There are people in our community who are unable to be immunised and we want them to be safe too."

Ferris told Morning Report that earlier this year, public health nurses found just 60 per cent of pupils were immunised.

A number had "slipped through the system" or come back from overseas, and families needed to be warned about the danger.

There were also a few myths about MMR that needed to be dispelled before everyone felt comfortable having their children vaccinated.

Jackson said those aged 1 to 24 were most impacted by measles.

Northland DHB was keen to work closely with all Northland schools and their communities to improve immunisation opportunities for children who may have missed out.

"If a case of measles is confirmed at a school, unimmunised children and staff are advised to stay home for up to two weeks to stop the spread of measles," she said.

As well as the public health nurses, free drop-in clinics are held in Whangārei on Thursdays, 8.30am to 4pm, at 22b Commerce Street.