Do you need another measles shot as an adult in Alberta? You might
14 cases confirmed among Alberta residents, including one adult
As measles cases rise in Alberta, many adults may be wondering whether they're protected against the highly contagious — and potentially dangerous — virus.
As of Thursday there were 14 confirmed cases in Alberta, including one adult. This tally does not include an Ontario resident with measles who travelled to the Taber area.
Sorting out whether you need to be vaccinated as an adult is complicated and depends on a number of factors, including when you were born.
"It's a good idea to check because many people might assume that they're fully vaccinated but now the rules for fully vaccinated might have changed," said Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist with the University of Alberta.
"We're seeing enough transmission that I think it is worth being proactive about it."
Birth year
Adults born before 1970 are thought to have natural immunity because the virus circulated widely at that time.
In Alberta, those born in 1970 or later — who don't have documentation of two doses, who've never had lab-confirmed measles and who don't have lab testing showing immunity — are eligible for the publicly funded vaccine.
People in that age range should have two doses over their lifetime, according to Alberta's guidelines.
But many people that age likely only have a single dose, Saxinger said.
"If you didn't have two doses, you should get one … If you haven't had any, you should definitely get two."
The shots are supposed to be given at least four weeks apart.
According to Saxinger, the rollout of measles vaccination programs across the country evolved over time and the rules can be different depending on which province you live in.
Even if you were told you only needed one dose in years past, you may be eligible for a second shot now, she noted.
"A lot of, but not all provinces have been modifying the recommendations for people born in 1970 and after. Now I think the bar is lower to offer a second dose," she said.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), a single dose of a measles-containing vaccine was introduced to routine immunization programs in all provinces and territories by the early 1970s.
Then, a single dose of the MMR (protecting against measles, mumps and rubella) shot was rolled out across the country between 1974 and 1983.
The routine two-dose vaccine was implemented between 1996 and 1997 and school-aged children at that time were offered a second "catch-up" dose, the PHAC website states.
Health workers, travellers
Health care workers — regardless of their age — should also have two doses if they don't have documentation of two shots, have no history of lab-confirmed measles and have no lab tests showing immunity, according to Alberta Health.
In addition, people born before 1970 — without a documented single vaccine dose (who meet the same criteria listed above) — should receive one dose if they are travelling somewhere in Canada where measles is circulating or travelling anywhere outside of the country.
In a recent measles bulletin, Alberta Health Services said the vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications.
According to Saxinger, while many people think of measles making children very sick, adults can become seriously ill and even die from measles.
"It's most commonly under-vaccinated or unvaccinated adults who get infected. A lot of them end up in hospital. They can have liver inflammation. They can have lung involvement, which can become quite severe."
She said adults can be hospitalized because they need fluids, pain medication and, in rare cases, breathing support such as a ventilator.
"The highest death rates are in kids under five — especially under one — but they can occur in older ages as well, because it's a severe full-body infection in some people."
Albertans who are unsure of their immunization history can text "vaccine record" to 88111 or call Health Link (811).
People 14 years of age and older can also check MyHealth Records.
Albertans who grew up elsewhere in Canada are being told to check with public health in those provinces to determine their vaccine history.
Saxinger said it's important to remember some Albertans are immunocompromised and need to consult their health care provider about whether they're able to get the MMR vaccine.
Travelling children
Alberta's routine childhood immunization schedule recommends children receive their first MMR vaccine at 12 months and the second at 18 months.
However, there are some circumstances — including travel — where they may need to get the shots earlier.
According to Alberta Health, babies may be eligible for a dose of the vaccine prior to their first birthday because of the increased risk of exposure, as long as they're at least six months old.
This includes travel outside of the country and to parts of Canada such as southwestern Ontario.
Some young children may also be eligible to get their second dose early if the risk is high, the province said.
How to get immunized — for free
Free measles vaccinations are available by appointment, according to AHS.
If you live in the Calgary or Edmonton health zones, immunizations can be booked by calling Health Link at 811 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
For people living in other health zones, AHS says to contact your local community health centre.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
