With the recent global increase in measles activity, many patients are asking about vaccination for their children and themselves. Vaccination against measles is the most important factor in the prevention of transmission. Measles cases in Canada are most often associated with travel.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and is abbreviated as MMR.
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:
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1st dose: MMR on or after the 1st birthday
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2nd dose: MMRV at 4-6 years of age (If possible, give 2nd dose of MMRV closer to age 4)
With planned travel, infants:
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MMR can be given as young as 6 months of age.
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Note: 2 additional doses are still required after 1st birthday, at least 28 days apart
With planned travel, children:
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Consider giving 2nd dose of MMR earlier than 4-6 years of age
MMR Vaccine Recommendations for Adults
For individuals born before 1970:
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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.
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If you are unsure if you had measles, you may be eligible for one MMR dose.
For individuals born in 1970 or later:
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It is recommended you have 2 doses of MMR to be fully immunized. These can be your childhood vaccines.
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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.
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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 have a MMR vaccine?
Want to know your vaccination record?
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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
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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:
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Bathurst patients: To request a vaccination record, click here to send a message and request your immunization record. Please allow 7 business days for a response to a message.
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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?
Online Resources
Toronto Public Health
Ontario Ministry of Health
Ontario Vaccine Schedule
MMR Vaccine Fact Sheet
Edited November 2024
