Who should be vaccinated?
- People born after 1970
AND - People who have never received the measles vaccine
OR - People who have never had measles
- If unsure, it’s best to get the vaccine and to have your children vaccinated. There is no harm in getting another dose of the vaccine if you are already protected against measles.
- According to Québec’s immunization schedule, children receive a combined vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.
- You can check your vaccination status by calling the Info Santé line (811), or by making an appointment on Clic Santé.
Helpful links
Gouvernement du Québec - Measles
Gouvernement du Québec – Santé Montréal - Measles
Did you know that…
Measles is a highly contagious disease and can, in some cases, be very serious. Up to 90% of those who are not protected for measles can develop the disease if they come into contact with a person who is infected.
The groups most at-risk are:
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
It is possible to become infected and to develop the disease without being in direct contact with someone who has measles. For example, you can get measles just by being in the same room as someone who is infected, even if it’s just for a short time.
Documents:
Background & Symptoms
The measles virus recently resurfaced in Québec and cases have been reported in the Montreal area. Given the growing number of cases, the highly contagious nature of the virus and the potential severity of the disease, the Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal wishes to reiterate that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others!
Make sure you are up-to-date on your measles vaccine.
Symptoms
Who is protected against measles?
- Adults born before 1970
- Those who have serology showing antibodies to measles
- Those who have had diagnostic testing confirming they have had measles (e.g., NAAT, serology)
- Those who have a medical certificate confirming they had measles prior to January 1, 1996
- Those who have written proof of measles vaccination. The number of doses required for people to be considered protected varies:
| 2 doses | 1 dose |
| People born between 1970 and 1979 who are either interns, healthcare workers, travellers or military recruits | People born between 1970 and 1979 who are neither interns, nor healthcare workers, travellers or military recruits |
| People born after 1980 |
Doses of the vaccine must have been administered as of 12 months of age, with a minimum interval of four weeks between doses.
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