Measles

• Children get their first dose of vaccine protection at 12 months and then a booster dose between the ages of 4 and 6.
  •  It is strongly recommended that children get the booster as soon as they turn 4, especially if travelling.
•  Measles protection is required to attend both licensed child care and school in Ontario.
• The measles vaccine is FREE as part of Ontario’s public vaccine program.
• Those who are missing doses can catch up at any age. 
• If you need a dose: 
  • Make an appointment with your health care provider 
  • If you don’t have  a provider,  visit TBDHU.com/vaxclinic.

The following outlines the recommendation for both routine immunization as well as when travelling. Infants under 6 months of age, pregnant people and those with a weakened immune system are generally not recommended to receive the vaccine.

Routine immunization

Infants:

• Infants don’t receive their first dose until 1 year of age

Children 1 and older:  

• Children should receive two doses of measles containing vaccines called MMR
  • 1 dose at 1 year of age
  • 1 doses between age 4 and 6 (preferably before starting school)

 Adults:

• 1 dose if they have never had measles containing vaccine previously
• Adults born BEFORE 1970 are generally presumed to have immunity from past exposure to the measles virus and therefore would not need a vaccine.

Recommendation when travelling

Infants:

• Infants 6-11 months of age can get one dose of the vaccine if they are travelling to an area with increased measles activity. Two additional doses are still needed after their first birthday to complete their routine series.

Children 1 and older:  

• Children should receive two doses of measles containing vaccines called MMR
  • 1 dose at 1 year of age
  • 1 doses between age 4 and 6 (preferably before starting school)

Adults:

• Adults (18 and older) born ON or AFTER 1970 who are travelling to an area with increased measles activity are recommended to receive two doses for complete protection.

• Children – check their ICON account or talk to their health care provider
• Adults – check any records (ICON, yellow card, vaccine documents – see TBDHU.com/vaxreport for more tips) or talk to your health care provider

• Visit the Caring For Kids website from the Canadian Paediatric Society or Ontario`s Measles website for more information including symptoms and how it spreads.