March Break often involves travel and gatherings, making it an important time for families to review and update their children’s immunizations. With increased measles activity in many travel destinations, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit urges families to ensure all members are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and other vaccines. Adults and children who are not protected against measles and certain other communicable diseases may be excluded from child care, school or work for a period of time if the disease occurs in our community.
The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing about 97 percent protection after two doses. In Ontario, children receive the MMR vaccine at one year of age and again at four years as part of the province’s routine immunization schedule. If you need a vaccination, contact your health care provider or book an appointment online at a health unit immunization clinic in Barrie, Collingwood, Cookstown, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland, or Orillia.
Measles is increasing worldwide, with more countries reporting cases. Outbreaks are currently occurring in several countries, including Mexico and the United States, and as of Feb. 16, 2026, Heath Canada reported 192 measles cases combined in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario this year.
Travelling internationally can increase the risk of exposure to measles and bringing the virus home. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the health unit recommend ensuring your immunizations are up to date, including two doses of MMR by age five before travelling. This is particularly important for:
- Children aged four to six years of age.
- Older children who missed their second dose of MMR vaccine.
- Those born in 1970 or after who are planning to travel outside of Canada are also recommended a second dose.
- Adults 18 years and older who are health care workers, post-secondary students or have been advised by their health care provider.
In addition:
- Infants aged six to 11 months of age who will be travelling to areas with increased measles transmission in discussion with their health care provider can get an early first dose.
- People born before 1970 in Canada are presumed immune due to circulating measles in Canada at that time. However, if they are traveling outside of Canada and have never had measles infection or measles vaccine, it is prudent to have 1 dose.
Measles most often affects young children, but anyone who is not fully immunized is at risk. The virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the virus can float in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, runny nose, cough, irritability, red eyes, and sometimes small white spots in the mouth. Three to seven days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then spreads down the body. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and occasionally death in the very young.
