Understanding new measles vaccine recommendations for Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region is currently part of a larger area of western Ontario experiencing high levels of measles cases and exposures. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can sometimes cause serious health complications. The measles virus spreads easily through the air, from person to person, through breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against measles. Because of the increase in cases and exposures, there are currently additional measles vaccine recommendations for people living, working or visiting our region and surrounding areas in western Ontario. These recommendations are in addition to the routine vaccine schedule.
Explore the list below to learn more about the routine measles vaccine recommendations by age group and also the additional vaccine recommendations currently in place. The list also explains extra information for people who work in the military and health care.
You should discuss your vaccine options with your primary health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, Region of Waterloo Public Health has measles vaccine appointments available to book online.
Babies younger than 6 months old
It is not recommended that babies under 6 months old receive vaccines because their immune systems are still immature. It is important that the people around them are vaccinated to help protect them from being exposed to the virus.
Babies who are older than 6 months and younger than 12 months
Right now, it is recommended that babies in our region who are between 6 and 12 months receive a dose of the measles vaccine. This is an early, extra dose to give them protection because of the increased risk of being exposed to the virus. They will still need to get two more doses of the vaccine after their first birthday.
Children who are 1 to 3 years old
When following the routine vaccine schedule, children usually get their first dose of the measles vaccine after their first birthday. The current additional recommendations for our region say that children between 1 and 3 years of age should get their second vaccine dose as soon as they can. The second dose can be given 28 days after their first dose. This means that if it has been four weeks or more since your child’s first dose of measles vaccine, they should get their next dose as soon as possible.
Children aged 4 to 6 years
Children receive their second measles vaccine dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years old as part of the routine vaccine schedule. With the additional recommendations for this region, children in this age group who have not yet received their second dose are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Children aged 7 to 17 years
Most school-aged children in Waterloo Region have already received the recommended two doses of measles vaccines, because of the Immunization of School Pupils Act, which requires them to have certain vaccines to attend school. If your child has not had their second measles vaccine, they should get it as soon as they can. There are no additional recommendations for this age group.
Adults born in or after 1970
The routine vaccine schedule recommends that adults born in 1970 or later should have at least one dose of a measles vaccine. The current additional vaccine recommendations for our region recommend that you get a second dose of a measles vaccine if you don’t already have one.
Adults born before 1970
People born before 1970 are considered immune to measles because they were likely exposed to it earlier in life. It is recommended that people in this age group who are travelling internationally or attending a post-secondary school get one dose of measles vaccine. There are no additional recommendations for this age group.
Health care and military workers
Regardless of age, all health care workers and military personnel are recommended to have two doses of measles vaccines. There are no additional recommendations for this group.
For the most up-to-date, local information on measles, including tips on locating your vaccination records and where to get a measles vaccine, visit regionofwaterloo.ca/measles.