Common Questions About Measles

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Small red spots in the mouth (spots have white or bluish-white centers)
• Red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the limbs and lasts at least three days. Rash begins on 3rd to 7th day of illness and lasts 4 to 7 days

• One out of 10 cases will have ear infections or pneumonia
• Measles encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) occurs in about 1 of every 1,000 cases and many result in permanent brain damage
• Death from respiratory and neurologic complications occurs in one out of 3,000 cases.

If you have fever and a rash and think you may have measles, especially if you have been in contact with someone with measles or traveled to an area with a measles outbreak, see a health care provider.

It is best to call ahead so that you can be seen quickly and without infecting other people. Measles can spread easily in places like waiting rooms and emergency rooms. The doctor or triage nurse can book you an appointment when the waiting room in the clinic is empty. They can take you to a closed area for an examination when you arrive.

Bring your immunization record with you.

A physical examination, blood test and throat swab or urine sample will be collected to make the diagnosis of measles.

• Children age 12 months will receive the first dose of the measles vaccine and the second dose at age 4 to 6 years. There is no recommendation to receive the second dose earlier (i. e., before 4 years of age).
• Children 4 to 12 years of age who also need protection against chickenpox (varicella) can get their second dose as the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine
• Children and teens who have not been vaccinated at all. These children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine.
• Adults born on or after January 1, 1970 (1957 for health care workers) who do not have two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine or proof of immunity are recommended to have two doses of MMR vaccine. This is especially important for travelers.
• Adults born before January 1, 1970 (1957 for health care workers) are generally assumed to have acquired immunity to measles from natural infection. For this reason, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for these individuals. Those who self-identify that they do not have a history of measles disease or vaccine may be considered susceptible. These individuals should be offered 1 dose of the MMR vaccine.
• Health care workers born in 1957 or later are recommended to have two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine. Health care workers without a record of immunization or proof of immunity to the disease will also need 2 doses of MMR vaccine. Those born before 1957 are considered immune to measles.

• Birth date before January 1, 1970 for most adults other than health care workers
• Birth date before 1957 for health care workers
• Documented evidence of vaccination with 2 valid doses of live measles-containing vaccine after their 1st birthday and given at least one month apart
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (i.e., “reactive” or “positive” anti-measles IgG antibody or a previous measles antibody level of ≥ 200 mIU per ml)
• Laboratory evidence of prior measles infection
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Speak with your health care provider if you or your child:

• Has had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of measles, mumps or rubella vaccine, or any part of the vaccine including gelatin or neomycin
• Has an immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment
• Has had a drop in platelets, the blood cells that help prevent bleeding, after getting a previous dose of MMR vaccine when another cause was not identified
• Has had a blood transfusion or received other blood products within the past 12 months
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after getting the MMR vaccine

• The first dose of the vaccination is given at age 12 months, with the second dose at age 4 to 6 years
• Older children and teens who have not been vaccinated should also receive two doses of the MMR vaccine
• Vaccinating an infant between 6 and 11 months is sometimes recommended if travelling to an area where there is measles. You can speak with your local health unit for more information on this.

• People who recover from measles have permanent immunity to the disease
• Anyone who has any of the following is considered immune:
• Birth date before January 1, 1970 for most adults except health care workers
• Birth date before 1957 for health care workers
• Documented evidence of vaccination with 2 valid doses of live measles-containing vaccine after their 1st birthday and given at least one month apart
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (i.e., “reactive” or “positive” anti-measles IgG antibody or a previous measles antibody level of ≥ 200 mIU per ml).
• Laboratory evidence of prior measles infection.

Yes, you will need the vaccine if:

• You are an adult born on or after January 1, 1970
• You are a health care worker born after 1957 and you do not have two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, given after your first birthday or proof of immunity

You will need two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (given as MMR), 1 month apart. Children and teens who have not been vaccinated should also receive two doses of MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is not part of the routine immunizations provided in school-based clinics. In some areas of the province, catch-up immunizations may be provided at schools for children who are missing any routine childhood immunizations. For information on vaccine schedules, please visit the B.C. Immunization Schedules page.

For the MMR vaccine, the first dose is given at age 12 months, with the second dose at age 4 to 6 years or just before they enter kindergarten. During kindergarten registration, parents will be asked for a record of their child’s immunizations. Always keep a record of the vaccines your child has received so you can provide the information when needed.