What is the measles vaccine?
The measles vaccine helps protect you from the virus that causes measles. It is given as a combination vaccine, which means it also helps protect against mumps and rubella, and sometimes varicella (chickenpox). The vaccine you receive depends on your age, your vaccine needs, and the specific vaccine products that are available.
Vaccines commonly used:
- MMR II®(Merck & Co.)
- Priorix®(GlaxoSmithKline)
- Priorix-Tetra®(GlaxoSmithKline)
Who should get the measles vaccine?
In general, everyone should get this vaccine. It is routinely given to babies starting at age one and again between age four and six.
Sometimes, it is recommended that babies get the vaccine between 6 and 11 months if they are at risk of being exposed to measles. If this happens, the baby will still need to get the routine doses of the vaccine when they are one year old and again between four and six years old.
Two doses provide very high levels of protection and immunity is usually lifelong.
It is important to receive the vaccine at the right time. To learn more, see Ontario’s routine immunization schedule (Ontario Ministry of Health).
Who should not get the measles vaccine?
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose should not get the measles vaccine.
- Women should not get the vaccination if they are pregnant.
Your health care provider will ask about your health before giving you any vaccine. This helps them check for any allergies you might have and make sure the vaccine is safe for you.
What are the possible side effects of the measles vaccine?
After getting the vaccine, you might have mild side effects, but they usually go away in one or two days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine, just like they can be allergic to certain foods or medication.
Learn about common vaccine side effects and what to do if they happen.
Is the measles vaccine required to attend school, daycare or to work in certain settings?
Yes. In Ontario, children must have this vaccine to attend school and licensed child care centres. Learn more about the vaccinations that are required to attend school and child care.
You might also need this vaccine to work in places like health care, child care and other settings.
Reporting vaccinations
Children attending school or daycare
- Parents and guardians must report vaccinationsto Public Health to keep their records up-to-date.
- Vaccine exemptions: signed statements must be submitted for vaccination exemptionsbased on medical reasons or reasons of conscience or religious belief.
General Public
- Access and update your immunization records.
What else should you know about the measles vaccine?
Cost
The measles vaccine is free for anyone who needs it. It is publicly funded, which means there is no cost to you, no matter where you get the vaccine in Ontario, whether it’s at a hospital, walk-in clinic, health care provider’s office, or public health.
For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario (PDF).
Risks and benefits
In Ontario, measles has been rare in the past due to high immunization coverage, but we are now seeing some cases again.
If you have any special health concerns, talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated. Learn more about special considerations before being vaccinated.
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For more information:
- Government of Ontario, About measles
- See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
- See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.
- Contact us.