Measles is a very serious and contagious illness. The measles virus can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include cough, fever, runny nose and inflamed eyes, as well as a red rash that appears on the face, neck, arms and legs.
Because of immunization, measles is now a rare disease in Canada. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against measles. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is provided free as part of your child’s routine immunizations. Call your health care provider to make an appointment. If you are travelling to a country where measles is common, you can be vaccinated through a travel health clinic. To find a travel health clinic near you, visit our FIND Services and Resources Directory.
For more information about measles and vaccinations, call 8-1-1 or click the links below.
Featured Topics
Measles
Learn how measles is spread, the symptoms, what to do if you think you have measles, and how to prevent spreading measles to others.
Measles Vaccines
The vaccines that protect against the measles are part of your child’s routine immunizations. Learn when your child should be immunized, the benefits of immunization, and more.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (HealthLinkBC File #14a)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine (HealthLinkBC File #14e)
Immunization
Getting immunized is the best way to protect you and your family from serious and sometimes deadly diseases. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well. Learn more about immunization in British Columbia.
- A Better Immunization Experience for your Child (HealthLinkBC File #50e)
- B.C. Immunization Schedules
- Childhood Vaccines are Safe (HealthLinkBC File #50c)
- The Benefits of Immunizing Your Child (HealthLinkBC File #50b)
- Your Baby’s Immune System and Vaccines (HealthLinkBC File #50a)
Your Health Authority
Some health authorities provide information about measles. Visit your health authority website listed below.
- First Nations Health Authority: Measles
- Fraser Health: Measles
- Interior Health: Make sure measles immunizations are up to date
- Vancouver Coastal: Measles
You can also find a Health Unit near you on ImmunizeBC.
Useful Websites
BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. They provide provincial and national leadership in public health through surveillance, detection, prevention and consultation. They also provide direct diagnostic and treatment services to people with diseases that may affect the health of the public. To learn more about measles and the measles vaccine, click on the links below.
Immunize BC
ImmunizeBC works to improve the health of British Columbians and reduce the number of infections by vaccine-preventable diseases by providing information on immunizations to individuals, families, and health care providers. Immunization can save lives. Learn more about common vaccines, who should get them, and why it is so important to get all of your vaccines on time.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
The Public Health Agency of Canada is the Federal Agency responsible for promoting health, preventing and controlling chronic diseases and injuries, preventing and controlling infectious diseases, and preparing and responding to public health emergencies. For more information about measles, including how it spreads and how it can be prevented, click on the link below.
Last Reviewed: May 2015
