Since October 2024, Ontario has reported over 1,000 confirmed cases of measles, marking the province’s most significant outbreak in more than a decade. With the number of infections continuing to rise in 2025—particularly among infants, children, and teenagers—it’s more critical than ever to ensure that you and your family are protected with the measles vaccine in Ontario.

Scarborough Health Network is here to help you understand who needs the vaccine, when to get it, and where to find it—plus how to spot symptoms and prevent spread in your community.

What is Measles

Measles is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces. It can linger in the air of a room for hours after an infected person has left, which is why outbreaks can escalate rapidly through homes, schools, and public spaces.

While measles may begin with flu-like symptoms, it can rapidly become severe. Approximately 1 in 15 individuals with measles become seriously ill.

High-Risk Groups Include:

  • Children under 5
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Immunocompromised individuals

Potential Complications:

  • Pneumonia
  • Dehydration
  • Seizures
  • Brain inflammation
  • Pregnancy complications

Measles Symptoms to Watch For

Sick child with red rash spots from measles on his stomach. Hand is on stomach.

After exposure, symptoms appear in 10–12 days. Look for:

  • High fever
  • Cough, runny nose, or sneezing
  • Sore, red, watery eyes
  • Rash that starts on the face and spreads
  • Tiny white spots inside the cheeks

If you or your child exhibits symptoms, please call your healthcare provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) before visiting a clinic or ED to help prevent further spread.

The Best Protection: Measles Vaccine in Ontario

In Ontario, the measles vaccine is included in the publicly funded MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccines.

Routine Schedule:

  • First dose (MMR): 12 months of age
  • Second dose (MMRV): 4–6 years of age

Children who are up to date on these shots are considered protected.

If You Missed a Dose

  • Students from JK to Grade 12 can receive catch-up doses through their family doctor or Toronto Public Health Immunization Clinics
  • Adults born after 1970 who have never had the MMR vaccine should speak with a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated or visit toronto.ca/immunization

Dr. Lara Gotha Answers Your Measles Vaccine Questions

1. Can you get measles more than once?

It’s extremely rare to get measles twice. In most cases, infection provides lifelong immunity. If someone did get it again—which is very uncommon—it would likely present with mild or no symptoms.

2. Can newborns get measles?

Yes, an unvaccinated newborn can get measles.

3. Can babies under 12 months be vaccinated?

Yes—babies as young as 6 months can receive the MMR vaccine if they meet certain criteria, such as:

  • Travelling to a region with active measles transmission
  • Exposure to an outbreak in their local community
  • Living in an area currently experiencing a measles outbreak

Note: This early dose doesn’t count toward the two-dose series, so children will still need doses at 12 months and again at 4–6 years.

4. Do newborns get protection from recently vaccinated moms?

No. The MMR vaccine is not given during pregnancy. Because of this, newborns won’t have strong maternal immunity.

5. Do adults need a booster shot?

If you’ve had the full MMR series (one or two doses) and have confirmed immunity, you don’t need a booster. Those unsure of their vaccination status should consult a doctor or request a blood test to check for immunity.

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What To Do If You Suspect Measles

  1. Call your doctor or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
  2. Do not walk into a clinic or ER without calling ahead
  3. Isolate at home to avoid exposing others
  4. Rest and hydrate—and watch for worsening symptoms

Most people recover at home, but severe complications may require hospital care.

How to Get the Measles Vaccine in Ontario

12-year-old girl recieved a needle in her right arm from a male nurse at a Scarborough hospital

You can receive the MMR vaccine:

  • From your family doctor
  • At Toronto Public Health or regional clinics
  • Through school-based catch-up programs
  • At pop-up and travel clinics (check with your local health unit)

Not sure if you’re protected?

Book a free, confidential call with a VaxFacts+ doctor at SHN.ca/VaxFacts to get trusted vaccine information and guidance.

The Bottom Line

As cases continue to rise, vaccination remains our most effective tool for preventing the spread of measles and protecting vulnerable individuals in our communities—particularly young children.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Check your vaccination status. Book your child’s appointment. Talk to a doctor. And share the facts—because misinformation spreads just as fast as measles.