Measles - Vaccination Guidelines

With the recent global increase in measle activity, many individuals are asking about vaccination for their children and themselves. Vaccination against measles is the most important factor in the prevention of transmission. Measles cases in Canada are most often associated with travel. Please review your immunization status with your health care provider, ideally prior to any travel. Vaccination guidelines are below.  Please note, this information is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. Please speak to your physician or nurse practitioner if you have questions. Summerville is following the Peel Public Health guidelines for MMR vaccination.

The MMR vaccine is a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, abbreviated as MMR. All Ontarians are eligible for two publicly funded doses of MMR based on a health care provider’s clinical judgment and the needs of the patient.

MMR Vaccine Recommendations for Infants and Children
If there is no planned travel.  The routine schedule is recommended, as follows:

• 1st dose: MMR on or after the 1st birthday
• 2nd dose: MMRV at 4-6 years of age (If possible, give 2nd dose of MMRV closer to age 4)

With planned travel, Infants:

• MMR can be given as young as 6 months of age. Note: 2 additional doses are still required after 1st birthday, at least 28 days apart

With planned travel, Children:

• Consider giving 2nd dose of MMR earlier than 4-6 years of age
• Note: 2nd dose of monovalent varicella vaccine  still required at 4-6 years of age

MMR Vaccine Recommendations for Adults
For individuals born before 1970:

• Are considered to have natural immunity, however, some immunocompromised individuals may be susceptible
• You may be eligible for a booster dose if you work in health care and have not have 2 doses of the vaccine, or are travelling
• Vaccination is preferred over serology (blood test) in cases where immunization status is unclear
• Post-secondary students and travellers should consider getting at least one dose of MMR vaccine

For individuals born in 1970 or later:

• If immunization status is unknown, two doses of MMR should be given at least 28 days apart
• If patient only had one dose of MMR, a 2nd dose should be given
• If patient has two documented doses of MMR, they are considered fully immunized – no serology is required

Direction from the Region of Peel: https://www.peelregion.ca/health/professionals/updates/2024/2024-02-22-Measles-Preparedness-Vol-17-No-5.pdf

Posted: March 4, 2024