Nova Scotians encouraged to get vaccinated for measles as case numbers in Canada rise

With a spike in measles in North America, Nova Scotia Health is asking people to get vaccinated, especially if they plan to travel.

At a mobile clinic Sunday in Dartmouth, a number of Nova Scotians heeded the call.

Canada has recorded 227 measles cases just this year, many requiring hospitalization, according to a statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada. There were 146 cases reported for all of 2024. 

The agency also stated that the majority of cases were among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children.

Jesse Kancir, Nova Scotia deputy chief medical officer of health, said none of the cases in Canada were reported in Nova Scotia. The last reported case in the province was in 2023. 

However, he said that is likely to change sooner than later because measles is highly contagious and can be spread through the air.

"We expect to see it over the next few weeks as people are coming back from their March break," said Kancir.

Vaccinations in the province

Kancir said the best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination. 

He said the province offers publicly funded measles vaccines through mobile clinics, pharmacists and other health providers.

The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and in some cases, small white spots inside the mouth and throat. After a few days, a rash will develop, starting from the face and spreading to the rest of the body.

Kancir said infants should receive two doses of the vaccine between 12-18 months. However, if an infant of six months or older is travelling outside of Canada, he encourages them to receive one dose. 

He also said adults over 55 are recommended only one dose, as it is assumed they have prior exposure to measles.

"Ninety-five per cent of the population covered means that someone's decision to vaccinate themselves also ends up protecting other people," said Kancir.

Kancir said pregnant people, children under five and those with weaker immune systems are at a higher risk.  

Leslie Sarkany visited the mobile clinic at Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, N.S., to receive a measles vaccine and other immunizations.

Sarkany is 70. He said he wants to protect himself and others who are especially vulnerable.

"All these diseases seem to be popping up again," he said. "And I want to be all prepared when they come my way."

Sarkany said he was also motivated to get the vaccine now because he has concerns about its spread in the U.S. and other provinces. In Texas, an unvaccinated child died of measles.