Public Health Recommends Early Measles Vaccination for Infants and Young Children Amid Ongoing Outbreak
Grey Bruce Public Health is urging earlier measles vaccination for young children as the region reports 40 confirmed or probable cases since October 2024.
Grey Bruce Public Health is urging earlier measles vaccination for young children, in line with updated provincial guidance, as the region reports dozens of confirmed or probable cases since October 2024.
The Ontario Ministry of Health expanded eligibility for measles-containing vaccines this week due to increased exposure risk in western Ontario, including in Grey-Bruce.
As of this week, infants as young as six months and children under five are eligible for earlier doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Under the updated guidance:
Infants aged 6 to 11 months should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine. These children will still require two additional doses after their first birthday.
Children aged 1 to 4 years who have already received one dose are encouraged to receive their second dose sooner than scheduled, at least four weeks after the first.
The province is also advising that all adults born in 1970 or later ensure they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be adequately protected.
The risk of contracting measles remains very low for people who are fully immunized or otherwise considered immune. This includes individuals born in or before 1970, who are generally presumed to have natural immunity due to historical exposure.
However, the virus spreads easily among those who are unvaccinated. One dose of the vaccine is estimated to be 85–95% effective; two doses provide near-total protection.
Since a province-wide measles outbreak began in October 2024, 40 confirmed or probable cases have been reported in the Grey-Bruce region, with 32 occurring in 2025. According to Grey Bruce Public Health, nearly all local cases have been in unvaccinated individuals.
Residents are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider and review the latest vaccination guidelines. Grey Bruce Public Health has also launched a dedicated measles webpage, which includes vaccination information, local exposure sites, symptoms, and prevention advice: Measles – Grey-Bruce.
For more information, contact Grey Bruce Public Health or your family physician.