With measles outbreaks in Quebec and cases now in Nova Scotia, people are wondering if they need to get vaccinated for measles. Islanders born before 1970 are considered immune even if they were not vaccinated because of the high rates of vaccination (herd immunity). 

In PEI, MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) vaccine is part of childhood vaccination. Children generally receive the vaccine at 12-months-old with a booster at 18 months. MMR vaccines are also provided to older children and adults who have not been immunized or do not have evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. If you are born after 1970, it is recommended to complete the two doses of MMR vaccine if you have not already received it.

Public Health Nursing is holding clinics to immunize for measles. In Charlottetown they are located at 161 St. Peters Road, telephone 902-368-4530. If you are unable to attend these clinics, make an appointment at the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre to get vaccinated. You can also make an appointment to discuss this and other vaccines with the registered nurse at the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre.

To learn more about measles, check out https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/measles-mumps-and-rubella-german-measles-vaccine-mmr

To see if you are due or overdue for other vaccines, visit www.canimmunize.ca/en/pei-assessment-tool 

For more information on MMR, view https://youtu.be/jL9QfTubi7I