A few cases of measles have recently been reported in the province. Given the highly contagious nature of the virus and the potential severity of measles, the Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal reminds us that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others!
It's important to know that it's possible to become infected and catch the disease without having been in direct contact with a person suffering from measles. For example, it may be enough to have been in the same room as a contagious person, even for a short period of time.
The groups most at risk are :
- Children under 12 months of age
- Susceptible pregnant women born in 1970 or later (including pregnant women born between 1970 and 1979 who received a single dose of the vaccine)
- The following immunosuppressed people:
- Bone marrow transplant recipients, regardless of age or vaccination status, and whether or not they have had measles;
- Immunosuppressed people born in 1970 or later who have not had measles (or have no proof of having had measles), regardless of vaccination status.
Measles vaccination is currently available at local points of service in Kirkland and Montreal (Lachine), as well as at the four CLSCs located in the CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal territory.
To find out if you should receive the measles vaccine or if you are protected against the disease, how to book a vaccination appointment and much more, visit the CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal “Measles vaccination” web page.
IMPORTANT: If you have symptoms associated with measles, do not visit a vaccination site. Instead, contact the Info-CIUSSS telephone line (514 630-2123), or dial 811.