Vaccinations for Measles

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

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 vaccine recommendations

• Vaccination for 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
  • Children who have not received measles-containing vaccine according to the timeline are recommended to receive two doses
  • Infants six to 11 months of age: One dose of MMR vaccine may be given if an infant is travelling outside of Canada (two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine must be administered after the child is 12 months old to ensure long lasting immunity to measles)
• Vaccination for adults
  • Adults born in or after 1970 are recommended to receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine. In this age group, it is strongly recommended that travellers to destinations outside of Canada and students in post-secondary educational settings have received two doses.
  • Health care workers and military personnel are recommended to receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine, regardless of their year of birth

  • Adults born before 1970 are presumed to be immune. One dose of measles-containing vaccine is recommended if you:
  • Cannot recall having had measles infection; or
  • Are travelling outside of Canada; or
  • Are a student in a post-secondary setting
  • Regardless of age, any adult may receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine based on a health care provider's clinical judgement