We have been receiving many questions about the measles outbreak and recommended vaccination. We hope the information below will help answer some questions.
Measles Exposure Alert
People in Richmond, BC, are being alerted to a series of potential exposures to a case of measles acquired from outside Canada that resulted in exposure between Feb. 24 and March 2 at the following locations:
- Feb. 24 – March 2: Vancouver Airport Hotel, 7188 Westminster Highway, Richmond
- Feb. 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – ICBC, 5300 No 3 Rd., Richmond
What is Measles?
Measles is a very contagious disease that can have serious complications in some people. It’s spread by an airborne virus when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can survive in small droplets in the air for several hours.
Symptoms can start as soon as 7 days after exposure, and up to 21 days, after a person is infected with the virus.
Signs and symptoms of measles include:
- Fever 38.5°C or higher
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes (sensitive to light)
- Rash, which starts first on the face and neck, and spreads to the chest, arms and legs, lasting 4 to 7 days.
- May be small white spots inside the mouth
- Young children may also develop diarrhea or an ear infection.
If you/your child has been exposed to measles and/or have suspected measles, you may call 811 or else contact us at the office. We will provide a telephone consultation prior to providing further advice.
Who should get the vaccine?
As per current public health guidelines, all children should get two doses of the MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine: the first at 12 months and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. The second dose is usually given as the combined MMRV vaccine. (mumps, measles, rubella, varicella)
Others who should get the vaccine:
- Babies 6 to 11 months who will be travelling to countries with measles disease should get the MMR vaccine early for measles protection. These children will need 2 more doses of the vaccine at the routine times (12 months and 4 to 6 years).
- Children between 1 and 4 who will be travelling to these countries can get their second dose early (with doses at least 28 days apart)
- Older children and teens who have not been immunized should get 2 doses of the vaccine.
- Adults born in 1970 or later who have not been immunized should get 2 doses of the vaccine. Most people born before 1970 will have had measles and mumps disease when they were younger (before vaccination was widely available) and will be protected from natural infection. If you were born before 1970 and know you did not have measles disease and have not been immunized, you can get 1 dose of the vaccine.
- Adults born in 1957 to 1969 who have not been immunized should get 1 dose of the vaccine for protection against rubella. Most people born before 1957 will have had rubella disease and will be protected from natural infection.
- Health care workers born in 1957 or later need 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. Those born before 1957 need 1 dose.
Who does not receive a vaccine?
- Anyone with 2 documented doses of MMR vaccine given on or after 12 months of age, with both doses given at least 28 days apart, are 99% protected from measles infection and does not need any more MMR vaccines.
- Anyone who has ever had measles.
- Pregnant patients should not receive the MMR because it is a live vaccine. However, it is recommended that everyone within the same household be up to date on vaccinations to lower risk of infection.
How to get the Vaccine?
- We (Kits Family Practice) can provide the MMR (publicly-funded) with an appointment. Please book on-line or email us. We will try to provide quick “fit-in” appointments just for the vaccine alone.
- Pharmacists can provide immunizations to clients 4 years of age and older. Please call ahead to confirm vaccine availability: https://www.vch.
ca/en/pharmacies-offering- vaccines - Vaccine appointments can be booked through local VCH public health units: https://www.vch.ca/en/
service/immunization-clinic
How do I get my vaccine record?
- We (at Kits Family Practice) have a record of all the vaccinations administered here
- However, we do not have a record of vaccines given by other providers (eg. pharmacies, public health) except if you have specifically provided us that information
- You can access, download, and print immunization records through Health Gateway.
- Health Gateway only shows immunizations that are in the Provincial Immunization Registry; this includes immunizations given at public health clinics and pharmacies in BC, but will not show vaccines given by other health care providers (i.e. family doctors and nurse practitioners), at travel clinics, or outside BC.
- Anyone 12 years and older can create an account with Health Gateway to access their records.
- Parents or caregivers can add younger children to their accounts.
- If your (or your child’s) immunization record is incomplete in Health Gateway and you have a paper record, you can submit the record.
- A health care professional will review the record and update your record in the Provincial Immunization Registry.
- Once the records are updated, you can access them through Health Gateway.
- It is safe to repeat vaccines which were previously given (if you are unsure of your vaccine history)
- Blood tests to determine immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases are not routinely recommended or available for all diseases.