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Toronto Sun
3 days 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
Globe and Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Measles could keep spreading for a year, says Canada's chief public health officer
The country's chief public health officer says the spread of measles could continue for a year and she is urging all Canadians to make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Theresa Tam, whose term will come to an end next month, told The Globe and Mail in an interview this week that if cases extend beyond October, the country will lose its measles elimination status and the virus will be considered endemic. This means the virus will continue to circulate domestically. 'What that means is children are at risk,' Dr. Tam said, adding what unfolds here is not simply a risk to Canada. 'We will be responsible for exporting measles to others as well.' A recent risk assessment from the Public Health Agency of Canada said the likelihood of prolonged transmission of measles in the next six months is moderate to high and Canada is in jeopardy of losing the elimination status earned in 1998, owing to the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles elimination is achieved when transmission is interrupted for 12 consecutive months or more. 'Uninterrupted transmission from current outbreaks places Canada at risk of losing measles elimination status if vaccination efforts and non-pharmaceutical public health measures are unable to interrupt transmission,' the assessment said. Canada has seen multiple jurisdictions with cases of the highly contagious virus this year, but the situation is particularly concerning in the country's most populous province. In its weekly surveillance report released on Thursday, Public Health Ontario said there were 182 new cases in the last week. Since last October, there is a total of 1,622 measles cases (1,389 confirmed, 233 probable) associated with an outbreak in more than a dozen public-health units. Alberta has the second-highest case count, with 374 cases reported, including 61 new cases this week. Dr. Tam said Canada must redouble efforts to stop the spread of the virus. The response needs to involve not only public-health officials but Canadians too, she said. 'Everyone has a role in my mind,' she said. 'For individuals, check on your vaccination status and get updated and ask questions if you have them.' Schools and families can play a role to ensure children are vaccinated, she said, adding individuals should be aware of the global resurgence of measles if they are travelling internationally and to ensure they are immunized. Other countries are also grappling with the spread of measles, and Dr. Tam said Canada must work with others as part of a global effort. Lower immunization rates are currently an issue. Dr. Tam said overall immunization is not high enough and needs to be boosted, or the country will be vulnerable to the introduction of measles cases and its spread. She added that 95-per-cent coverage is required because the virus is so infectious. The MMR vaccine is considered to be a safe and effective tool to protect against the virus. The chief public health officer said there are communities where vaccination coverage is really low, and measles spreads fast when it gets into an undervaccinated community. She did not specify which communities are particularly vulnerable. In a January statement, Dr. Tam pointed to research showing childhood immunizations are on the decline. A study published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health found a decline in measles vaccination coverage in children in 2023 compared with 2019. Public-health officials have attributed this decline to school-based immunization programs being put on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges for many Canadians to see primary care providers who have traditionally been responsible for administering childhood immunizations, along with vaccine hesitancy and the rise of misinformation. In a 2024 report on the state of public health, Dr. Tam said vaccination has become a polarized topic, particularly across digital and social-media platforms. Misinformation and disinformation have grown in scale and have become more sophisticated, she said, adding the speed and reach online pose a public-health threat.
Canada Standard
25-04-2025
- Health
- Canada Standard
It's World Immunization Week. How prepared is Canada if vaccines are needed for a new pandemic?
With the global resurgence of many vaccine-preventable diseases, World Immunization Week (April 24-30) provides a timely opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the goal of "Immunization for All." The World Health Organization (WHO) raises awareness each year of the importance of equitable access to lifesaving and health-protecting vaccines. More than 154 million lives worldwide over the past 50 years have been saved by vaccines, excluding vaccines for COVID-19, malaria, influenza, human papilloma virus, and other deadly diseases. Immunization programs underpin 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The global eradication of smallpox, 99 per cent reduction of wild polio cases since 1988, and 40 per cent reduction in infant mortality are why vaccines are celebrated among public health's greatest achievements Supported by a universal health-care system, strong public health infrastructure, and publicly funded programs, Canada has enjoyed a century of decline in diseases such as measles, diphtheria and pertussis thanks to vaccines. Recent trends, however, are cause for concern. A decline in vaccine confidence, worsening since the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges of access and the inclusion of vaccines in partisan political rhetoric have led to reduced vaccine uptake. In 2024, 17 per cent of Canadian parents were "really against" vaccinating their children, up from four per cent in 2019. The measles outbreak in Ontario, with more than 800 cases and 61 hospitalizations, are real consequences of these choices. The Council of Canadian Academies estimated that COVID-19 misinformation cost Canada more than 2,800 lives and $300 million in additional health-care and economic losses. The spectre of a new pandemic looms with the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). In the United States, infections in dairy cattle and on poultry farms continue. With vaccination likely playing a critical role in any public health response, the dismantling of parts of the American public health infrastructure, defunding of vaccine research and ramping up of political rhetoric against vaccines is highly concerning. The United States's withdrawal from global health, including the termination of funding to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance and WHO, is likely to profoundly harm global immunization programs and pandemic preparedness. Canada must take stock of this changing landscape. Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam's 2024 report, Realizing the Future of Vaccination for Public Health , sets out a clear framework for realizing the full potential of vaccination in Canada. In addition to major investments in new vaccine development and biomanufacturing in Canada, this public health framework is designed to support a better co-ordinated national immunization system, concerted efforts to address public trust, and efforts to improve equitable access. The lack of integration of Canada's fragmented immunization data across provinces and territories makes it more challenging to plan vaccine rollouts, identify coverage gaps or rapidly track adverse events after immunization. The Canadian Public Health Association and others have long called for a comprehensive and harmonized immunization registry as essential for a modern and responsive system. A national framework for vaccine data collection would allow policymakers and practitioners to make evidence-informed decisions in real time. Sustaining high vaccination coverage begins with public trust in science, government and public health. While most people still trust science and scientists, what constitutes trustworthy sources of information has become a serious problem. Insufficient transparency around vaccine development, regulation and monitoring of adverse reactions needs addressing. Concerns about the rapid pace of scientific advances, including the 100-days mission to produce an effective vaccine for a future pandemic, must be recognized. With so many new vaccines expected to roll out in coming years, including new frontiers in neurodegenerative disorders and vaccines for certain cancers, a harmonized vaccine schedule would foster public trust. In this context, vaccine misinformation has become a serious problem. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how structural inequalities reduced the ability to access vaccines. Initiatives during the pandemic to support equitable access - such as mobile clinics, culturally appropriate information and community-led initiatives - increased uptake. These approaches need to be extended to routine vaccination. Moreover, building supportive environments means incorporating an "equity by design" approach, which applies regulatory tools and systems design to support vaccine equity, from discovery to rollout means that the ability to keep vaccines refridgerated cold chains or needle delivery, for example, do not contribute to disparities of access. The Bridge Research Consortium (BRC) is a multidisciplinary team of social scientists and humanities scholars established in 2024 to understand the social and behavioural factors that influence new vaccine uptake in Canada. Bridging understandings across the "pipeline" for developing new vaccines and therapeutics, and the public health system, the BRC supports tailored and equity-informed strategies that enhance public trust and equitable access. We will hear directly from communities across the country, identify concerns in real-time, and co-develop approaches that reflect diverse perspectives. We plan to achieve this through demystifying how vaccines are developed and produced, holding deliberative dialogues that bring together diverse perspectives on challenging topics, and creating a travelling science exhibit. World Immunization Week is a timely reminder of the importance of this work to enable Canada to realize the potential benefits of vaccines.
Globe and Mail
20-03-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Ontario measles cases rise amid growing concern about spread among unvaccinated individuals
Measles cases continue to rise in the country's most populous province, with Public Health Ontario reporting Thursday there has been more than 100 new cases of the highly contagious disease in the last week. New figures released by Public Health Ontario show since the beginning of 2025, a total of 440 measles cases (357 confirmed and 83 probable) have been reported in Ontario, as of this Wednesday. The new figures represent an increase of 120 cases (103 confirmed and 17 probable) since the release of its epidemiological summary last week which noted nearly 200 cases. The spread of measles is a growing concern in Canada, which stands in stark contrast to the country's status in 1998, when the disease was deemed to be eliminated. Public health specialists credit the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine for preventing spread of the disease in the last the decades. But they are increasingly worried about what is unfolding: Ontario now has the highest number of cases it has seen in more than a decade. There have also been recent cases in New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta. Additionally, there is a global resurgence of measles, such as in Europe. There have also been outbreaks in the U.S. in New Mexico and rural parts of Texas. Health officials highlight accelerated MMR vaccine guidance in measles outbreak areas of Ontario Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Theresa Tam, has said the majority of measles cases reported domestically are among unvaccinated people, many of whom are children and infants. Since last October, a total of 470 measles cases (361 confirmed and 109 probable) have been reported. The cases are associated with an outbreak that has occurred in 11 public health units. Last October, a travel-related case in New Brunswick led to measles cases in Ontario. Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Kieran Moore, said last week that the majority of cases in the province are among unvaccinated individuals. Dr. Moore recently issued a memo with new immunization recommendations that apply to individuals who live, work, travel, worship or spend time in the areas covered by the Grand Erie and Southwestern public health agencies near Hamilton and London respectively. Both are seeing measles outbreaks. He advises that babies aged six to 11 months should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine and two additional doses are still recommended after turning one. Children who are aged one to four who have received a dose of the measles vaccine should receive a second dose as soon as possible and at least four weeks after the first shot. Infants under six months are too young to receive a dose. Measles is re-emerging in Ontario. Here's what you need to know to protect you and your family Dr. Moore also said adults born in 1970 or later are encouraged to ensure they have received a second MMR shot. An immunization program for infants was introduced in 1983 when a single dose was given at one year of age. Public Health Ontario said a second dose was added in 1996. Data indicate childhood vaccination coverage in Canada is sliding. A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health found a decline in measles vaccination coverage in children in 2023 compared with 2019. Public Health Ontario said that measles cases in the province has been rare, owing to the successful elimination of measles in Canada in 1998 and high vaccination coverage. It said the sharp increase in the number of outbreak cases and the geographic spread in recent weeks is because of 'continued exposures and transmission among individuals who have not been immunized.' Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease. It can result in serious health complications that, while rare, include respiratory failure, encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain, and death. Symptoms for the disease include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that appears like red spots or blotchy patches. It can result in serious health complications that, while rare, include respiratory failure, encephalitis and death.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Canadians 'strongly' urged to get measles vaccine by public health officials before traveling
Medical experts are urging Canadians to ensure they are vaccinated for the measles virus, especially if they intend to travel for March break. 'As we move through spring break travel season, I am concerned that the global rise in measles cases, combined with declining vaccination rates among school-aged children in Canada, could lead to more illness and more community transmission,' said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, in a Public Health Agency of Canada statement released last week. 'I strongly urge all Canadians to ensure they are vaccinated against measles — check to see if you are up-to-date before travelling.' Often a time when Canadian parents and their children head south, this spring break there may be some concerns given recent measles deaths in Texas and New Mexico. 'Canada's Health Portfolio has a longstanding history of constructive bilateral engagement with U.S. health agencies and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to connect with U.S. Centres for Disease Control colleagues, as required, to exchange information on various public health issues, including measles,' according to a PHAC email to the National Post. Though parents are still advised by PHAC to contact the CDC to learn more about exposure risks in the U.S. 'In 2024, we saw a sharp increase in measles cases globally compared to 2023,' says Tam. 'In Canada this concerning trend has continued with more cases reported in the first two months of 2025 than in all of 2024.' In her statement, she highlighted the risks posed by low vaccination rates among school-aged children and called for urgent action in Canada to prevent further spread. As of March 6, Tam noted, Canada has recorded 227 measles cases this year, many requiring hospitalization. Most cases are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children who have been exposed in their communities, such as in social events, daycares, schools and health-care settings, the statement reads. 'Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, with complications including pneumonia, deafness, brain inflammation, and, in severe cases, death,' says Dr. Tam. Cases can also occur when unvaccinated individuals travel to or from areas where measles is circulating, she adds. Here's what we know about measles outbreaks in Canada. Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and New Brunswick have been particularly affected this year. Ontario is experiencing the largest outbreak, with 115 confirmed cases reported as of late February 2025. Most cases are linked to a multi-jurisdictional outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024, when a travel-related case resulted in 50 confirmed cases in Fredericton and the Upper Saint John River Valley. It was declared over on Jan.7, 2025. Most of the cases involved unvaccinated individuals. Three required hospitalization. The outbreak has spread rapidly in areas like Brantford and surrounding counties, making it Ontario's largest measles outbreak in over 25 years. Between 2013 and 2023, Ontario reported an average of 10 cases per year. The National Post has reached out for comment from Ontario's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, but has yet to receive a response. Quebec has reported 24 confirmed cases in 2025, with outbreaks primarily concentrated in urban centers like Montreal. The province is dealing with its second outbreak in recent years, following a significant one in 2024 Manitoba has recorded five cases so far in 2025, some of which are linked to the ongoing outbreak originating from New Brunswick and Ontario. A sharp increase in global measles cases, with over 320,000 confirmed worldwide in 2024, has heightened the risk of importation through international travel. Travellers exposed abroad have brought the virus back to Canada, contributing to outbreaks. Imported cases from countries where measles remains endemic have already contributed to outbreaks in Canada. Three cases of measles infection were confirmed in the Lower Mainland of B.C. this year. Fraser Health determined all three infections were acquired by Fraser Health residents who travelled abroad to Southeast Asia in the same travel party. In Ontario, measles has been rare due to elimination of the disease in Canada and high immunization coverage. As a result, measles cases have typically been predominantly associated with travel (often referred to as 'measles importations'). Due to an increase in measles activity globally in 2024, Ontario began to see more cases of measles. For people who are exposed to measles and not protected, officials recommend self-isolation at home from the fifth day following first exposure until 14 days after the last exposure. Vaccination rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have dropped to approximately 82.5 per cent, far below the 95 per cent needed for herd immunity. This decline is attributed to disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2021, for example, rates for seven-year-olds dropped to 79 per cent, down from 87 per cent in 2017, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Other reports suggest vaccinations rates have varied geographically and can create pockets of outbreak risk, reports the CBC. Alberta's overall rate for children up to age seven fell from 86% in 2019 to 78% in 2021. Rates fell to 32 percent in one northern Alberta municipality, according to a research team at Simon Fraser University. Their modelling suggests vaccine coverage of less than 85 per cent can lead to dozens or even hundreds of cases within small communities. As a result, officials are strongly emphasizing the importance of vaccination as the primary defence against measles. Public health officials are ramping up vaccination campaigns and advising Canadians to take preventive measures during travel and community gatherings. They recommend two doses of measles-containing vaccine for children, typically given at 12 months and 18 months of age. At least one dose of measles-containing vaccine for adults born in or after 1970. Public health agencies are implementing enhanced surveillance measures, including real-time notifications of suspected and confirmed cases to enable early detection of outbreaks. When a vaccine is required, it should be administered at least two weeks before departure, but even last-minute vaccinations offer protection. For people who are not immune to measles…over 90 per cent of those exposed to the virus will become infected. Those at higher risk include children under five, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised individuals. Before travelling, Canadians are being urged to do the following: Infants (6 to 12 months old) travelling to high-risk areas receive an early measles vaccine dose — consult a health-care provider for guidance. Children and adolescents receive both doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Adults born in 1970 or later receive both doses of a measles-containing vaccine Those born before 1970 receive one dose if not immune, particularly if travelling to an area with active transmission. Health officials are advising Canadians to be aware of measles risks when traveling and to consult travel health notices for current global measles status. 4 new cases of measles in Quebec after contagious person travelled to Canada What to know about measles — one of the most contagious diseases Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
