On the spots

As Torontonians learn more about the six cases of measles in the city and news breaks that at least one unvaccinated child will be banned from school, here are the answers to your lingering measles questions: What is the significance of being born before 1970?

If you were born before 1970, you were likely exposed to measles when disease was rampant in Canada. If you were born after that time, it’s likely that you received the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, introduced in 1975. However, if you never had measles and never received a vaccine, you are not immune and should get the shot. Can I take a test to find out if I am immune to measles?

Yes. You can ask your health-care professional for a blood test that will confirm if you are immune or not. The only way you can have immunity is if you’ve had the MMR vaccine or if you’ve had measles before. When can Toronto Public Health officials exclude unvaccinated students from school?

In the event of a measles case at a school, Toronto Public Health can exclude children who are exempt from vaccinations — having submitted a medical, philosophical or religious exemption form — for 21 days from the point of exposure. They may also exclude students in the case of an outbreak in a specific geographic area. What are the side effects of the MMR vaccine?

Most people experience no side effects. Some people may experience a fever or rash after receiving the vaccine. In some cases, a high fever can cause convulsions — typically for children who are prone to convulsions. One in 800,000 people may develop mild meningitis. Rarely, people experience mild, temporary blood clotting. Sources: World Health Organization, Public Health Ontario, Toronto Public Health, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care