Hamilton, Grand Erie public health units recommend measles vaccine for some babies under 1 year old

In light of a recent measles outbreak in Ontario, particularly in the Brantford area, several public health units have taken proactive measures to combat the spread of the disease. With the number of reported cases on the rise, Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has extended the measles vaccination to include infants as young as six months old.

Typically, the measles vaccine is administered to children at the age of one and then again at four years old. However, due to the urgency of the situation, GEPH is now offering the first dose to babies aged between six and 11 months, with the second dose recommended before the child turns four. To facilitate the vaccination process, GEPH has set up measles vaccination clinics, and appointments can be conveniently booked through their website.

Hamilton Public Health Services has also joined the efforts by recommending the first vaccine dose for infants under one year old, especially if they are traveling to other parts of Ontario or internationally. GEPH, which covers Brantford and the surrounding counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk, has reported a total of 110 confirmed cases so far this year, with the majority of cases affecting children in the County of Brant.

On the other hand, Hamilton recently confirmed one measles case, although it is linked to international travel and not the ongoing outbreak in Ontario. Dr. Brendan Lew, associate medical officer of health, emphasized the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease.

Southwestern Public Health has also witnessed a surge in measles cases, reporting over 100 cases in recent months. This public health unit, which covers Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas, has expanded its vaccination program to reach more individuals at risk.

The measles outbreak has sparked concern among parents, such as Myriah Culp from the Niagara Region, where nine cases have been identified. Culp, who has a three-week-old daughter, expressed her worries about the highly contagious nature of measles and the lack of protection for infants who are too young to be vaccinated.

Dr. Azim Kasmani, Niagara Region’s medical officer of health, reassured the public that Niagara is not currently at risk of measles spread. He emphasized the importance of following provincial vaccination guidelines, which recommend two doses of the measles vaccine for children, with the first dose given at 12 months and the second between four to six years old.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in preventing measles. Public Health Ontario stated that children who receive two doses of the vaccine are nearly 100% protected, while a single dose provides approximately 95% protection.

Despite the availability of vaccines, vaccination rates have seen a decline in recent years, with only 70% of seven-year-olds fully vaccinated against measles in the last school year. Public Health Ontario emphasized the importance of achieving a vaccination rate of 95% to prevent endemic measles in Canada.

Measles typically presents with symptoms similar to a cold, including fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash on the face and body. It is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and in rare cases, death.

In conclusion, the measles outbreak in Ontario underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Public health units are working tirelessly to ensure that communities are protected and individuals are informed about the benefits of vaccination. It is crucial for parents to follow vaccination guidelines and prioritize the health and safety of their children.