Nova Scotia preparing for measles cases
Nova Scotia is preparing for the “strong likelihood” of seeing one or more measles cases as case numbers increase worldwide.
As of press time, there hadn’t been any confirmed cases of measles in Nova Scotia.
But Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said there has recently been a significant increase of measle cases in many parts of the world.
“Measles, one of the most contagious organisms we have, being on the rise is often an indicator of general declines in vaccination rates, so that’s quite concerning,” Strang said in a recent interview.
Strang said the COVID pandemic resulted in a decline in vaccination rates – especially in childhood vaccines – due to some people not being able to access health care. He noted people’s confidence in vaccine programs also decreased.
However, Strang is encouraging people to get both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially if they have travel plans.
“I think it’s really focused on immunization,” Strang said when asked about the precautions people can take when it comes to measles.
“Measles is highly infectious and if people are susceptible and they’re exposed, it’s very difficult to prevent getting infected.”
Strang said young children are the most vulnerable to measles, so Nova Scotia has dropped the age for its first vaccination to six months. Previously, the first dose was given at 12 months, with a second dose administered at 18 months.
“We would really encourage people who are travelling with infants who can’t get immunized because they’re too young to delay their travel until they can at least get that initial dose at six months,” Strang said.
Strang is also reminding Nova Scotians who were born in or after 1970 to make sure they have both doses of MMR vaccine, as they were previously told to only get one dose.
He said Public Health is also working to make sure healthcare workers are aware of their measles vaccination status.
“Everybody is eligible. We encourage everybody to get the two doses, but especially if you’re going to be travelling in the near future,” Strang said.
People looking to get their MMR vaccines can go to their primary care provider. Primary care pharmacy clinics are also able to administer the vaccine.
For people without a primary care provider or access to a clinic, Strang suggested they contact their local public health unit for help.