Vaccinations for Measles

Check your immunization records to make sure you and your children are up to date with measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV). Your personal immunization record (yellow card) can give you this information.

You may be able to access your immunization record using Immunization Connect. If you do not have an immunization record in Immunization Connect, talk to your health care provider.

Older adults checking their immunization record may find this vaccination written as 'red measles' or 'rubeola'. German measles, also known as rubella, is a different disease.

Individuals without an immunization record of their measles-containing vaccine(s) may need to repeat vaccination. It is not harmful to receive an additional dose(s).

If you don't have a health care provider, see doctors accepting new patients and walk-in clinics.

Measles exposures in Niagara

People who are not protected against measles AND who were in locations where they may have been exposed to a case of measles, refer to the places and dates of possible exposures in Niagara.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against measles.

Measles vaccine recommendations

If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, please discuss measles vaccination recommendations with your health care provider.

Check with your employer or post secondary institution as they may need different vaccine recommendations.

• Infants six to 11 months

  Infants six to 11 months of age

  One dose of MMR vaccine is recommended if an infant is travelling to areas (including within Ontario) and countries where disease is of concern.

  Two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine are required starting on an individual's first birthday.

  One dose of MMR vaccine at one year of age, given at least four weeks after the previous dose, and one dose of MMRV vaccine, given between four and six years of age. It is preferred they receive this dose before starting school if they are four years of age.

• Children and youth
  • The first dose of measles-containing vaccine is given at 12 months of age
  • A second dose is routinely given between four to six years of age
  • With measles activity in Ontario, the second dose may be given as soon as children turn four years of age
  • Children who have not received measles-containing vaccine according to this timeline are recommended to receive two doses at the appropriate intervals

  Talk to your health care provider for more information.

• Adults aged 18 to 25 years

  Adults aged 18 to 25 years who have not had a measles-containing vaccine should receive two doses of MMR.

  If only one dose was previously received, individuals in this age group are recommended to receive a second dose.

• Adults aged 26 years and older and born in or after 1970

  Adults who have not had a measles-containing vaccine can be immunized by receiving one dose of measles-containing vaccine.

  A second dose of measles-containing vaccine is also recommended for adults who meet the following criteria:

  • Health care workers
  • Post-secondary students
  • Military personnel
  • Anyone travelling to areas where disease is of concern
  • Anyone based on their health care provider's clinical judgement
• Adults born before 1970

  Those born before 1970 are generally considered to be immune and do not need a vaccine.

  The following is recommended for susceptible individuals:

  • Two doses for health care workers and military personnel
  • One dose for travellers to areas where disease is of concern

  One dose for adult students who are in post-secondary educational settings should be considered.