Ottawa – Canada is currently experiencing an increase in measles activity. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Measles vaccines are tested and effective at protecting you and others from serious illness. Parents and caregivers should make sure that children are up to date with their measles vaccines according to their local routine vaccination schedules. If an adult or a child in their care has missed any doses of the vaccine or are unsure if vaccines are up to date, it is very important to contact their healthcare provider or local public health department. There are enough measles-containing vaccines in Canada for those who need them.
Having two doses of a measles-containing vaccine greatly reduces your risk of catching the disease. These two doses are nearly 100% effective and are recommended for children, teens and some adults across Canada. This high level of effectiveness demonstrates the importance of measles vaccination. Globally, measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine that we have in our routine vaccination programs today. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 60 million children’s lives have been saved by the measles vaccine since 2000.
There have been increasing numbers of measles cases and outbreaks globally. If you are travelling to another country this winter or spring, check with a healthcare provider or public health department at least six weeks before your trip to see if additional vaccine doses are needed.
If you may have been exposed to measles and are not fully vaccinated, immediately contact your healthcare provider or local public health department for advice. They may recommend the measles vaccine or a medication that contains protective antibodies.