Nova Scotians encouraged to get vaccinated for measles as case numbers in Canada rise

With a recent surge in measles cases in North America, Nova Scotia Health is urging individuals to get vaccinated, particularly if they have plans to travel. The importance of vaccination was highlighted at a mobile clinic held in Dartmouth, where many Nova Scotians took advantage of the opportunity to protect themselves against the highly contagious virus.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there have been 227 reported cases of measles in Canada this year alone, a significant increase from the 146 cases reported in all of 2024. The majority of these cases have been among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children.

Jesse Kancir, Nova Scotia’s deputy chief medical officer of health, emphasized the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. While there have been no reported cases in Nova Scotia this year, Kancir warned that the province is not immune to the outbreak, especially as individuals return from March break travels.

The province offers publicly funded measles vaccines through various channels, including mobile clinics, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers. Infants are recommended to receive two doses of the vaccine between 12-18 months of age, with an additional dose advised for those traveling outside of Canada. Adults over 55 are typically recommended only one dose, assuming they have prior exposure to measles.

Kancir stressed the importance of community immunity, noting that when 95% of the population is vaccinated, it helps protect vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. He also highlighted the initial symptoms of measles, which include fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.

One individual who visited the mobile clinic in Dartmouth to receive the measles vaccine was Leslie Sarkany, a 70-year-old who wanted to take proactive steps to safeguard his health and the well-being of others. Sarkany expressed concern about the resurgence of preventable diseases and was particularly motivated to get vaccinated after hearing about cases in other provinces and the U.S., where an unvaccinated child tragically died from measles in Texas.

As the threat of measles looms across North America, Nova Scotians are encouraged to prioritize vaccination as a crucial measure to protect themselves and their communities from this contagious disease. Stay informed, stay safe, and take proactive steps to safeguard your health and well-being.