by Marcy Timchishen, R.N., B.N., Interlake-Eastern RHA’s immunization coordinator

National Immunization Week takes place April 21 to 30, 2025. As measles cases continue to make a resurgence throughout Canada and around the world, it is important for Manitobans to check if they are up to date with their measles vaccinations.

Only a few decades ago, there was no way to protect yourself from devastating diseases such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria and meningitis – or wildly contagious infections such as measles. Outcomes were inescapably tragic, leading to lifelong paralysis, stillbirth, neurodegenerative disease, encephalitis and even death.

Vaccines changed this landscape. As time progressed, more and more diseases became preventable by vaccination and health outcomes greatly improved. Prior to the implementation of measles vaccination, the peak national case count in Canada during the 1950s was 61,370. In the late 2000s, case counts dropped to 752 proving that measles vaccination is highly effective.

Despite these statistics, an immense amount of misinformation continues to circulate in communities and across social media platforms.

Myth: Measles isn’t a big deal.

Fact: Measles is highly contagious and 1 in 10 people who catch measles will develop a serious infection and experience complications such as pneumonia, ear infections or more severe infections such as brain inflammation or damage.

Myth: Measles vaccine, given as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), causes autism

Fact: False. No evidence has ever showed that the MMR vaccine causes autism. This myth was fabricated by a UK doctor who falsified studies and data. No other studies have found a link between MMR and autism.

Myth: No one catches measles anymore.

Fact: Measles cases are rising throughout the world, country and province. Vaccination is the only way to protect yourself from measles.

When making a decision to vaccinate, you want to make sure that you are making a choice based on fact and not “hearsay.” Talking to a professional for answers for any questions you might have can be very helpful. There are also many sources of information that are scientific, such as reputable health-related sites — Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care or BC Health — that provide balanced and accurate information. Blog sites and social networks such as Facebook, are often not scientific-based nor necessarily factual. 

With the current measles situation, it is important to know the following:

1.  Early symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes. The most recognized symptom of measles is a red, blotchy rash, which often begins on the face and spreads down the body. Measles illness is serious, especially for young children, those that are pregnant and those with a weakened immune system.

2.  Measles is very contagious. Immunization is the best way to protect your child(ren) against it. In Manitoba, children can receive two doses of a measles vaccine free of charge.

Any time is a good time to speak to your health care provider or public health nurse about updating your children’s or your own measles vaccine as well as any other eligible vaccines.

If you have questions regarding your own or your child’s immunization records, want to schedule an appointment or are unsure if all immunizations are up to date, please contact your local public health nurse. Contact information is available at www.ierha.ca under “Find Us” and then click on “Community Health Offices”.

For more information regarding immunization information on the internet see “Can you trust what you read?”

Recommended vaccination schedules for children and adults can be found on the Province of Manitoba’s routine immunization schedules webpage