Why higher measles vaccination coverage matters so much now

Measles is a highly infectious disease that poses a significant risk to under-vaccinated individuals when they come into contact with others who are susceptible. This is why public health officials are emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of the disease. The resurgence of measles across the country, with the majority of cases reported in Ontario, is a cause for concern. Despite the fact that measles was officially eradicated in Canada in 1998, outbreaks continue to occur due to falling childhood immunization rates.

The measles virus spreads easily through airborne droplets and typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, and redness of the eyes. This is followed by the development of white spots next to the molars and a distinctive red rash that starts around the hairline and spreads down the body. While most children used to recover from measles before the development of effective vaccines, physicians stress that the disease can lead to severe complications and even hospitalization. In fact, 12 percent of cases in Canada this year have required hospitalization.

Complications of measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. It can also result in lifelong deafness and blindness, as well as a rare but fatal brain disorder known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. These consequences highlight the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.

The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is administered in two doses, with the first dose given before two years of age and the second by seven. However, vaccination coverage has been declining in recent years, with rates dropping from about 90 percent to around 83 percent for the first dose and from about 86 percent to around 76 percent for the second dose. This decline in vaccination coverage has contributed to the resurgence of measles outbreaks in various communities.

Individuals who are most at risk of severe disease from measles include infants who are too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. To protect vulnerable populations, public health officials are offering vaccination to infants as young as six months in areas facing measles outbreaks. It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and ensure that communities maintain high immunization rates to prevent the spread of the disease.

In Ontario, a sharp increase in measles cases has been linked to an outbreak sparked by an international traveler who attended a wedding in New Brunswick. Most of the cases in Ontario this year have been linked to this outbreak, with over 30 people requiring hospitalization, including two in intensive care. Public Health Ontario has attributed the rise in cases to transmission among unvaccinated individuals.

To address the outbreak in southwestern Ontario, public health officials are implementing catch-up campaigns to increase vaccination coverage. It is essential to engage with communities, provide accurate information about vaccines, and address any concerns or hesitations that individuals may have. By working together as partners, we can prevent the spread of measles and protect the health of our communities.