Measles Q&A
I know, right? Thanks to vaccination efforts in the past, we had eradicated measles by 1998, but unfortunately, measles is back….In fact, there has been a rise in measles infections around the world, and there are confirmed cases in Ontario.
Because we worry about any virus or illness that may affect you and our communities
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreading by droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat or by touching contaminated surfaces.
The measles virus can linger in the area for as long as 2 hours after the infected person has left the area.
Symptoms of measles usually begin with a high fever, red and watery eyes, and a rash that usually starts with spots in the mouth and face and spreads to the rest of the body.
People who are exposed to measles can spread the virus 4 days before the rash starts.
Measles can cause ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, seizures, deafness, blindness, and even death. Vaccination is the only way to protect us.
Yes, it is very safe!
The measles vaccine is called MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
It is over 95% effective in preventing measles!
When you receive the MMR vaccine, you may have some redness and pain to the area where the vaccine was given, mild fever, mild rash, or joint pains.
Although these side effects can happen with the MMR vaccine, the benefit of the vaccine totally outweighs the risks!
Babies and children should be vaccinated with 2 doses of the vaccine (first dose after 12 months of age). Children must have the MMR vaccine or a valid exemption to attend school off-reserve.
If you were born BEFORE 1970 you likely had the measles virus. If you don’t remember having measles or don’t have documentation of receiving the vaccine, you should get the MMR vaccine now!
If you were born in 1970 or later, you should have received 1-2 doses of the MMR vaccine. If you only received 1 dose, or if you don’t know and can’t find out, it is important to receive the vaccine now.
The MMR vaccine is a weakened live vaccine, so some people who are severely immunocompromised, such as those with cancer, on chemotherapy, or with active tuberculosis, and pregnant people should not get the vaccine. If you’re unsure, speak to someone in your healthcare community that you trust.
If you have been exposed to measles or think you have symptoms of measles, please contact your healthcare team or public health and stay home!
And as always, we are here for the community. To talk with us or book a vaccine, please call us at 416-654-4184 or email auduzhe@nameres.org
COVID Vaccines UPDATES - August 2024
An updated vaccine to help protect against the current variants may be available in the fall 2024; we expect to receive this vaccine sometime in October 2024.
Toronto Public Health suggests waiting until fall 2024 to get your next dose of COVID-19 vaccine, to make sure you are protected when COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating.
There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in the summer 2024, and those who are at risk of serious complications may want an extra dose of the current vaccine. This may include:
– Adults over the age of 65
– Those who are immunocompromised
– Those who are pregnant
– Residents of long-term care or other congregate settings
Other individuals that are not high risk who may want to get a vaccine might include:
– Those who are planning a trip and do not want to get sick while they are travelling
– People who live with vulnerable individuals, that do not want to take COVID home
Although this vaccine is not a perfect match for the variants that are circulating, it is close enough to give a boost to the immune system and provide some additional protection until the new vaccine is available this fall.
You should wait at least three months between vaccine doses. People must decide for themselves whether to get a shot.
For those who want to get a COVID-19 vaccine now, we have vaccine available for individuals who are over the age of 12.
COVID vaccines for children who are under 12 years of age will be available in the fall 2024.
