With the recent global increase in measles activity, many patients are asking about vaccination for their children and themselves. Measles cases in Canada have been associated with travel or local outbreaks.
Information about Measles
What is measles?
Measles is a respiratory infection that is very contagious. It spreads when you breathe in the air after someone with measles coughs or sneezes, or by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after touching an infected surface. Measles is one of the most contagious respiratory infections.
Symptoms of measles include:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Red blotchy rash
Who is at risk of complications from measles?
Babies under 1 year old who have not received measles vaccine
People with severely weakened immune system
Pregnant individuals who are not protected against measles
Anyone who does not meet the definition of having measles protection (see below)
What to do if you are exposed to measles:
If you are fully vaccinated or immune to measles: it is very unlikely that you will develop the disease. As a precaution, watch for measles symptoms until 21 days after you are exposed.
If you are NOT fully vaccinated (two lifetime doses of MMR) or immune to measles: you must stay home and contact your local public health unit (Toronto Public Health telephone: 416-338-7600) for further direction. If you (or a family member) are at high risk of complications, call your healthcare provider or local public health unit to discuss options to reduce the risk of measles infection.
For children under the age of 4: your child will have received only dose of MMR vaccine. Public Health has not yet recommended that extra doses of MMR vaccine be administered to children under the age of 4 who have received only one dose of MMR vaccine. A single dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles so your child has good protection with a single dose only. We will update you if Public Health recommendations change.
For babies less than 1 year of age: the first dose of MMR vaccine is administered at 12 months of age. Babies that are breastfed receive some measles antibodies through breastmilk, as long as mom has full protection (see below). MMR vaccine can be given as young as 6 months of age, if needed. If you are concerned about your infant under 1 year of age, please discuss with your primary care provider.
Guidelines for Measles Vaccine (MMR - measles, mumps & rubella)
MMR Vaccine Recommendations for Infants and Children
Infants are at greatest risk since routine vaccination for measles does not begin until one year of age.
If there is no planned travel, the routine vaccine schedule is recommended:
1st dose: MMR on or after the 1st birthday
2nd dose: MMRV at 4-6 years of age (If possible, give 2nd dose of MMRV closer to age 4)
With planned travel, infants:
MMR can be given as young as 6 months of age.
Note: 2 additional doses are still required after 1st birthday, at least 28 days apart
With planned travel, children:
Consider giving 2nd dose of MMR earlier than 4-6 years of age
MMR Vaccine Recommendations for Adults
For individuals born before 1970:
You may have had measles infection, since measles was present a lot during this time. You can get vaccinated if unsure and you are planning to travel.
If you are unsure if you had measles, you may be eligible for one MMR dose.
For individuals born in 1970 or later:
It is recommended you have 2 doses of MMR to be fully immunized. These can be your childhood vaccines.
If you do not know your immunization status: 2 doses of MMR should be given at least 28 days apart. It is fine to get an extra dose of MMR if you are not sure whether you previously received 2 doses.
If you only have had one dose of MMR, a 2nd dose should be given.
Travellers to areas where measles is present:
Unless you have already had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, it is currently advised to consider getting a dose of MMR prior to travel. Regardless of prior immunization status and especially if you may not have received all of your recommended doses before, or have never had a measles infection.
Source: Toronto Public Health
Want to get the MMR vaccine?
Bathurst patients: book an appointment online with nursing
Garrison Creek patients: book an appointment online with nursing
Want to know your vaccination record?
For your child or teen, you can look up their Toronto Public Health vaccination record. Click here to view. Please keep in mind that if documentation of vaccines was not submitted to Toronto Public Health they will not show in their record.
For adults: it is unlikely that we have your childhood vaccines on record with us. Most people receive MMR during childhood. If you still wish a copy of your vaccine record, understanding that MMR doses you may have received as a child may not appear, contact our clinic:
Bathurst patients: To request a vaccination record, call the Bathurst site at 216-603-5888. Please allow 7 business days for a response.
Garrison Creek patients: To request a vaccination record, call the Garrison Creek Site at 416-603-5888. Please allow 7 business days for a response.
**our receptionists and nurses cannot provide your vaccine history to you over the phone**
Do you need to speak to your primary care provider about MMR?
Bathurst patients: book an appointment with your primary care provider
Garrison Creek patients: book an appointment with your primary care provider.
Online Resources
Edited March 28, 2025