Getting vaccinated protects those around you too
With measles cases in Canada climbing, public health leaders are calling on people to ensure they are vaccinated against the highly infectious disease.
As of Tuesday, the country has recorded at least 17 confirmed cases, with two provinces — Ontario and Quebec — reporting community transmission of the virus.
Health officials warn that vaccination coverage rates have declined in recent years and are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated.
And with measles cases surging in many parts of the globe, experts are recommending people check their measles vaccination status — and get up to date if necessary — before travelling to areas where the virus is circulating.
Beyond boosting individual protection, getting vaccinated against measles benefits others in the community, especially those who are more susceptible to illness, including infants and people with compromised immune systems.
“Controlling vaccine preventable diseases is a team sport, it’s not just an individual sport,” said Shelly Bolotin, director of the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
“When we’re making a decision on vaccination, we have to consider the broader community and those close to us who might be more frail or vulnerable than we are.”
What is the measles vaccine?
The two-dose series is available as either the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine. It has been a routine childhood immunization in Canada since about 1970.
The first dose is generally given to infants between the ages of 12 and 15 months, with the second dose offered either at 18 months or between four to six years, depending on the province or territory.
Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are almost 100 per cent effective at preventing infection.
Bolotin said a measles infection can affect many organ systems with about 20 per cent of cases needing hospitalization.
How do I know if I’m up to date?
People can check their personal immunization record — in Ontario that’s primarily a yellow booklet — or call their health-care provider for confirmation. Parents may also be able to check their child’s vaccination status with their local public health unit.
What should I do if I’m unsure of my immunization status?
Talking with your health-care provider is the first step, said Bolotin, noting the Canadian Immunization Guide recommends giving those unsure of their status a dose of measles-containing vaccine.
“It says to assume they’re unvaccinated and there’s no harm in doing that,” she said. “It’s a very safe vaccine. So even if you’ve had two doses and you get revaccinated, there’s no issue.”
For those who don’t have a healthcare provider, Bolotin said local public health units, community health centres and walk-in medical and travel clinics can help with vaccines.
When should adults get a measles vaccine?
Adults born before 1970 likely have natural immunity to measles. But in a February statement, Canada’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Theresa Tam advised all adults born before 1970 make sure they’ve had one dose of measles-containing vaccine, while those born in 1970 or later should confirm they’ve had two doses.
Bolotin said adults born before 1970 who don’t remember being sick with measles or who don’t have a laboratory test showing antibodies should speak with a health-care provider about getting up to date.
“Controlling vaccine preventable diseases is a team sport, it’s not just an individual sport.
SHELLY BOLOTIN CENTRE FOR VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES AT U OF T’S DALLA LANA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Are there reasons to vaccinate my infant early?
Bolotin said families travelling with infants can speak with a healthcare provider about getting their baby an early measles dose for protection. Babies between the ages of six and 12 months can safely get a measles vaccine, she said, noting those who do will need two followup doses.
“These days, you can even get measles in the airport, so it’s a prudent thing to do.”