Measles

ABOUT MEASLES

When someone has measles, they can spread it easily through the air by coughing and sneezing. Measles can make you feel very sick with symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a distinctive rash that usually spreads all over the body. Measles is very contagious and can linger for hours even after a sick person has left the room. In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, especially in younger children or those with weakened immune systems. Some complications from measles are severe diarrhea that can cause dehydration, ear infection, swelling of the brain (often referred to as encephalitis), lung infection (often referred to as pneumonia), and blindness.

VACCINE INFORMATION

There is a way to protect yourself and others from measles, and that’s by getting vaccinated. Vaccines work by teaching your body’s immune system how to fight off the measles virus. If you haven’t already received the measles vaccine, we strongly recommend talking to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. It’s safe, effective, and the best way to stay healthy and prevent the spread of measles.

The vaccine for measles is often called Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles and two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles. The MMR vaccine is recommended at one years old and a booster dose between four and six years old.

If you are unsure if you have been vaccinated with the measles vaccine, you can:

1) Check your yellow vaccination card;

2) Call Public Health to obtain your vaccination records by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73456; or

3) Call our office to inquire about your vaccination status.

For adults who are unable to find a record of their measles vaccine, it is recommended that that those who are born BEFORE 1970, receive one dose and those born AFTER 1970, receive two doses.

HOW TO GET VACCINATED

To get vaccinated, you can reach out to the following clinics:

1) Community Catch-up Clinic in York Region – these clinics are for those who are in grade JK to those who are in Grade 12. Please click here to book an appointment.

2) Call our office at 905-853-3103 to make an appointment with a nurse for the MMR vaccine.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information regarding measles, please click here or here for a Measles Fact Sheet

If you have any questions or concerns about measles or vaccination, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or call our office.