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Toronto Sun
18 hours ago
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Don't know if you've been vaccinated against measles? Get a shot, doctors urge
Published Jun 06, 2025 • 3 minute read A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont., on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Photo by Geoff Robins / AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Public health doctors say if people don't know if they've been vaccinated against measles, they should get a shot. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says people should try their best to find their vaccine records and ask their doctors. People born before 1970 are presumed to have been exposed to measles and likely to have some immunity, she says. But if people were born in 1970 or later and really have no idea if they were vaccinated, there is no harm in getting a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to ensure they are protected as Canada continues to see a rising number of cases, Tam says. The exception is pregnant women, because the MMR vaccine isn't recommended during pregnancy as it contains live virus that could theoretically be transmitted to the fetus. Tam says it's vital for women of childbearing age to be vaccinated ahead of time because a measles infection can cause severe complications for both the mom and baby. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She says if someone is already pregnant and thinks they might have been exposed to measles, they should talk to their health-care provider. Dr. Sarah Wilson, a physician with Public Health Ontario, says a blood test, known as serology, can be used to see if a pregnant person has antibodies to measles. 'If there is uncertainty as to whether or not they've ever had an MMR vaccine, offering serology can be helpful to understand (if) this person (is) susceptible or not, so that if they are ever exposed to measles, they can very quickly be offered something called post-exposure prophylaxis to help reduce the risk of measles,' Wilson said. But for most people who aren't sure of their vaccination status, getting a measles shot is preferable to getting a blood test to check for measles immunity, both Wilson and Tam said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That's because the time lapse between getting the test and waiting for the results is a missed opportunity to get vaccinated sooner, they said. Tam said Canada has enough MMR vaccine to meet an increased demand for the shot. As summer approaches and people prepare to travel — both within Canada and to foreign countries — making sure you get a measles shot if you're unvaccinated or unsure should be part of the plan, Tam said. 'Get ready to get vaccinated as early as possible, but I think the important point is if you really left it to the last minute, still go and get it,' she said. 'Even the last-minute immunization will offer some protection during that trip, but also it can protect you into the future.' Tam said being vaccinated against measles also helps protect others who can't be immunized, including pregnant women, children under six months old and some people who are immunocompromised. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Babies usually don't get their first dose of MMR vaccine until they're 12 months old, but public health officials have lowered the age to six months in communities where there is a measles outbreak, including in southwestern Ontario. The devastating effects of the rise of measles in that hard-hit region became clear on Thursday, when the Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced a baby who was born prematurely and infected while in the womb had died. Dr. Kieran Moore noted that the infant also faced other medical complications unrelated to the virus. Tam and Wilson both expressed their condolences to the grieving family. 'That was very sad news,' said Tam. 'I think it's telling us that we've all got to be very vigilant about measles in our communities.' Read More For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network. Olympics Toronto & GTA Columnists NHL Editorial Cartoons
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Getting the facts out on childhood vaccinations
Opinion As is the case with many instances involving polls, surveys and percentages, how one views this result is largely a matter of perception. Glass half-full, glass half-empty; that kind of thing. Many who read the survey released last week by the polling firm Angus Reid no doubt took encouragement from the revelation that nearly 70 per cent of Canadians support mandatory childhood vaccinations — a figure that likely reflects growing public unease at the recent rise in reported measles cases across the country. The poll, conducted online between May 20 and 24, found 69 per cent of the 1,700 people surveyed said proof of vaccination should be required for children to attend school or daycare. A similar survey last year showed 55 per cent in support of mandatory vaccination for kids attending school/daycare. Geoff Robins / The Canadian Press A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. The increased support for a legislated vaccine requirement coincides, of course, with the sharp rise in reported measles cases — an increase attributed to declining vaccination rates and the loss of the so-called 'herd immunity' that had allowed the highly contagious disease to be largely eradicated after the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine was introduced in the early 1970s. In recent years, vaccine skepticism fuelled by online misinformation and widely debunked conspiracy theories — and accelerated by broader resistance to mandated vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic — has led to fewer parents seeking to have their children immunized against MMR. In 2023, vaccination rates in Canada were approximately 82 per cent for one dose and 76 per cent for the recommended two doses, significantly below the 95 per cent uptake required to maintain herd immunity. All of which helps to explain why in Canada, in 2025, there have been 2,755 new cases of measles (2,429 confirmed, 326 probable) reported as of May 24, spread across nine provincial/territorial jurisdictions — including Manitoba, which has recorded 76 cases (72 confirmed, four probable) this year. Tuesdays A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world. The outbreak — which has been mirrored in other countries, including the U.S., where vaccine uptake has waned — is unnecessary and could have been prevented. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and proven, and does not — contrary to the myriad falsehoods spread online by misinformed conspiracy theorists — have any connection to autism or other negative childhood afflictions. So the good news, such as it is, is that an increasing number of Canadians seem inclined to support a vaccination requirement for kids attending schools and daycares — close-quarters environments in which exposure to contagious diseases such as measles could easily trigger an outbreak. But the glass-half-empty view of the situation is that despite the alarming rise in measles cases, nearly one-third of the population remains opposed to mandatory vaccination. Proof of vaccination for kids to attend school/daycare (except for those with a valid exemption) is currently only required in Ontario and New Brunswick, and given the high rate of resistance to mandated vaccination, there's very little likelihood such a measure would be imposed in Manitoba or other regions currently without one. In this province, figures from 2023 showed nearly 80 per cent of children were vaccinated against MMR by age two and 65 per cent fully immunized by age seven, significantly lower than the national average. And in the Southern Health region, the epicentre of Manitoba's current outbreak, vaccination uptake among seven-year-olds is just 53 per cent. Clearly, the province must do a better job of communicating the risks and benefits to those in need of reliable, factual information. Recent public-opinion poll numbers may be encouraging, but when it comes to limiting the spread of measles in Manitoba, the glass is concerningly tilting toward empty.
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
Joint funeral held for 2 teens killed in crash that left 5 dead
Published May 31, 2025 • 3 minute read Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On May 23,, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. Photo by Geoff Robins / THE CANADIAN PRESS Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont. just over a week ago were remembered Saturday for their contagious smiles that 'could light up absolutely everything.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Hundreds attended the joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Centre, along with nearly 1,000 who tuned in to a livestream. The pair were killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33-year-old coach Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at Walkerton District Community School. All five died when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23 while they were returning from a softball tournament in the area. A few family members and friends of both Rourke and Baker shared memories of the two girls during Saturday's service as dozens more classmates paid tribute wearing their athletic uniforms. The girls were described as joyful teammates who would sing 'at the top of their lungs' and dance 'without a care.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As one friend put it, even after a moment of silence for the duo: 'Silence wasn't really their thing.' Clockwise from top left: Olivia Rourke; Danica Baker; Rowan McLeod; Kaydance Ford; and Matt Eckert. All were killed in a crash northeast of London on May 23, 2025. Rourke was 'the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl,' said her cousin Rae in a eulogy, adding she was 'truly a bright light in our family.' Others praised her resolve. Friends said Rourke shone in gymnastics and loved other sports too, even those she wasn't the best at. She tried out for every team and had convinced herself that her sheer determination was going to win her athlete of the year. Rourke also had a presence for the stage and loved to act out a scene. Her 'witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone's face,' said Rae. PLANS 'LEFT UNFINISHED' 'What hurts the most is that we had so many plans that are now left unfinished,' her cousin said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We were going to tour universities in the fall, travel the world, and raise two little girls together that would be just like us. As we looked forward to these big moments in life, I never thought that Olivia wouldn't be experiencing them with me.' Baker's cousin Aislyn said she left a mark on everyone she met through her 'infectious smile, her goofy laugh and her positive and thoughtful presence.' Remembered as a gifted piano player and quiet leader, she was a perfectionist and 'vibrant young soul' who enjoyed expressing herself through her hair, makeup, nails and fashion. Baker was adventurous and independent — she enjoyed going to camp from a young age and wasn't afraid to go alone. She loved all sports, but found her passion on the volleyball court. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Not only did Danica have a gorgeous face, but a gorgeous soul too,' Aislyn said. 'Danica was just starting to blossom into this amazing independent and most caring person.' The Walkerton community, home to around 4,500 residents, continues to mourn the tragedy. Last weekend more than a thousand people gathered outside the girls' school to show support during a vigil. Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff grieve. Bluewater District School Board director of education Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims. Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, said the 'incomprehensible tragedy' has left the town devastated. Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social media a few days after the incident, saying the five deaths are heartbreaking. 'This is an unimaginable loss — one that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure. Canadians are holding the Walkerton community in our hearts,' Carney wrote on X. Crime Toronto & GTA Columnists Ontario Columnists
Toronto Sun
31-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Joint funeral to be held for two teens killed in crash that left five dead
Published May 31, 2025 • 1 minute read Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On May 23,, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. Photo by Geoff Robins / THE CANADIAN PRESS A joint funeral service was set to be held Saturday in Walkerton, Ont. for two of the teens killed in a crash near London just over a week ago. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, died along with two other girls and a teacher when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23. The five, which also included students Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Fordt and teacher and coach Matt Eckert from Walkerton District Community School, had been returning from a sporting event in the area. Dozens of support workers had a presence at the school this week as students and staff mourn the loss. Bluewater District School Board director of education Lori Wilder said a memorial table had also been set up inside the school for the five victims. Chris Peabody, the mayor of Brockton, the municipality encompassing Walkerton, says the 'incomprehensible tragedy' has left the town devastated. Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Canada
Global News
26-05-2025
- Global News
Condolences pour in after 4 students, 1 teacher killed in Ontario crash
An small Ontario community is mourning the loss of four teen girls and their coach after they all lost their lives in a fatal crash Friday night. Messages of condolence are pouring in for the community in and around Walkerton, Ont an hour north west of Guelph. The coach, Matt Eckert, 33 and four female students were returning from a softball tournament when their vehicle collided with a transport truck. Ontario Provincial Police say the crash happened around 4:30 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Thorndale Road and Cobble Hills Road in Middlesex County, near London, Ont. Investigators say an SUV caring the five collided with a transport truck, then hit a second SUV. Three of the first SUV's passengers, two 17-year-old girls and a 16-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene. Story continues below advertisement Eckert, who was driving the SUV, and another 16-year-old girl who was also in the vehicle were rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. View image in full screen Flowers mark the site of a fatal accident which killed four students and a teacher northeast of London, Ont. on Sunday, May 25, CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins. Geoff Robins Following this incident, people have been sharing messages of condolences, with community members putting running shoes and candles outside their homes in honour of the victims. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The school board and police have not released the names of the four girls killed. In a statement over the weekend, the Bluewater District School board confirmed the four girls were all students at Walkerton District Community School, where Eckert also taught. The board expressed their 'deepest sorrows' for the families dealing with the 'profound loss' of Friday's crash. 'At this time, our focus is on supporting and respecting the privacy of the grieving families,' the statement read. Story continues below advertisement 'We recognize that many individuals in other communities across Bluewater also have close connections with those lost in this tragedy, and their families. It is important to acknowledge how this tragedy is impacting them as well. We are all here to support one another.' The board's mental health staff and tragedy response team have been deployed to support students and staff as they return to school on Monday. Eckert, who died in the crash, was also an assistant coach with the Owen Sound NorthStars Junior B Lacrosse club. The club's general manager, Ethan Woods, said on social media that he was 'heartbroken and crushed' by Eckert's death, remembering him as a dedicated mentor to players and a best friend to fellow coaches. 'His infectious smile and caring heart are things that will never be forgotten,' Woods said. A vigil was held Sunday night, with hundreds of people gathering in the Walkerton District Community School parking to honour the victims. Pictures of the vigil show candles and flowers laid at the front of the school in tribute. View image in full screen Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On Friday, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins Geoff Robins Several politicians have also shared their condolences. Story continues below advertisement 'In this time of sorrow, we stand united with all those affected in the community and throughout all our local schools. We offer our deepest condolences and unwavering support,' said the municipality of Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody. 'We encourage all community members to come together offering compassion and support to one another as we navigate this profound loss.' In honour of the families affected, the municipal flags were lowered to half-mast and will be raised following services for victims, the mayor said. Canada's Prime Minster Mark Carney wrote on X Sunday night that the deaths were heartbreaking. 'This is an unimaginable loss – one that no family, no classmate, no school should ever have to endure. Canadians are holding the Walkerton community in our hearts,' he wrote. Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford, also extended his condolences to the families of the victims as well. 'I'm devastated to hear of last night's tragic accident in Middlesex County, which has now claimed the lives of five people. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss,' Ford said on X. The occupants of the second SUV and the transport truck driver suffered minor injuries. Police have offered condolences but have not speculated on what chased the crash. Story continues below advertisement Authorities are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with dashcam footage or information about the crash to contact Middlesex OPP or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers. With files from Global News' Prisha Dev and The Canadian Press
