Make sure you have 2 measles shots before you travel on spring break, says Canada's top doctor

Canada's top doctor warned travelers to get two doses of the measles vaccine before traveling on spring break.

"Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis," Dr. Tamura, the chief medical officer of Public Health Canada, said in a press release.

He added: "The best way to protect yourself and others from measles is to inject two doses of measles vaccine, MMR or MMRV."

According to Dr. Tamura, measles rates are increasing in Canada. In 2023, 114 measles cases were reported in Canada, up from 77 in 2022.

The measles virus is spread through the air and through contact with the saliva or nasal mucus of an infected person. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and skin rash.

"All people 6 months and older who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine should be vaccinated before spring break travel," Dr. Tamura advised.

The following people are at risk of measles:

Babies under 6 months
Pregnant people
People with immune system defects
People who are not fully vaccinated
For more information about the measles vaccine, visit the Health Canada website.

important points:

Before traveling on spring break, be sure to get two doses of the measles vaccine.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can have serious complications.
The best way to protect yourself and others from measles is to get two doses of the vaccine.
 

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