Chief Medical Officer issues a reminder on the importance of measles vaccination

Although measles vaccination rates have declined in Canada over the past several years, as people travel more in the coming months, an increase in measles cases is likely in this country.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health is reminding people of the importance of vaccination against measles. While most people who get infected with measles will recover, some may be left with a disability and some may die. Measles activity is increasing around the world, with many areas of Europe seeing unusually high numbers of measles cases. Although measles vaccination rates have declined in Canada over the past several years, as people travel more in the coming months, an increase in measles cases is likely in this country. Travellers should check records to ensure they’ve been vaccinated. Individuals are at very low risk of catching measles if they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or if they have been infected with the measles virus in the past. Newfoundland and Labrador benefits from one of the highest vaccination rates in Canada. Travellers should check records to ensure they’ve been vaccinated. Individuals are at very low risk of catching measles if they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or if they have been infected with the measles virus in the past. Newfoundland and Labrador benefits from one of the highest vaccination rates in Canada.