Distributed by e-mail February 6, 2015
A memo with regards to Measles update was released from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health on February 5, 2015. The memo asks for continued vigilance to detect cases of measles and report them to local public health units. It also announces expansion of Ministry coverage of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
For infants, the Ministry currently publicly funds MMR vaccine for travel outside of North America as early as six months of age, based on the clinical judgment of the health care provider and the needs of the child. Effective immediately, this eligibility has been expanded to include travel to regions where measles is a concern, including within North America. Please note that, if the first dose of MMR is given at less than 12 months of age, two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine must be administered after the child is one year of age to ensure long lasting immunity to measles.