Ontario updates MMR vaccine guidance due to measles outbreak

Health officials in Ontario are emphasizing new guidelines for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in response to a rising number of measles cases. The guidelines affect babies older than six months and children under four living in or traveling to areas with measles outbreaks, particularly in Southwestern Ontario. The Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, has recommended that babies aged six to 11 months receive one dose of the MMR vaccine. After their first birthday, they should have two additional doses. Children aged 1 to 4 who have already received one dose should get a second dose as soon as possible, at least four weeks after the first. Infants younger than six months cannot receive the vaccine. Adults born in 1970 or later are encouraged to check if they have received a second MMR dose. Typically, Ontario children receive two doses of the measles vaccine, starting at age one, with a second dose given between the ages of four and six. Ontario is experiencing its highest number of measles cases in over ten years, with nearly 200 reported in just a few weeks. Measles is also spreading in other provinces like New Brunswick, Quebec, and Alberta. Experts stress that measles is preventable through vaccination. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist, stated that the increase in cases is troubling, as vaccination programs were effective in eliminating the disease in Canada in 1998. He noted that most cases reported now are in unvaccinated individuals, especially children. The decline in vaccination rates is attributed to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about vaccines, and limited access to primary care. Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash, and the disease can lead to serious health complications in rare cases.