Simcoe County health unit opens three measles immunization clinics

Measles in this undated file image.

For the next three days, measles vaccination clinics will be open across Simcoe County.

After a resident tested positive for measles last week, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has opened up several clinics offering measles immunization Monday through Wednesday.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads easily, particularly to those who are not immune or are vulnerable. Symptoms are cold-like and include cough and fever, sore eyes that may be sensitive to light, a red rash that lasts for up to five days, and sometimes small white spots on the inside of the mouth.

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Clinics offering vaccinations by appointment include:

Mon., March 18
Angus Recreation Centre, 8529 County Road 10, Angus, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Tues., March 19
Royal Canadian Legion – Alliston, 111 Dufferin Street South, Alliston from noon – 5 p.m.

Wed., March 20
Angus Recreation Centre, 8529 County Road 10, Angus from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
 

The health unit recommends people who are not up-to-date with their measles immunization receive a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine including:

• Infants aged six to 11 months of age who will be travelling to areas with increased measles transmission.
• Children aged four to six years of age.
• Children and youth who missed their second dose of MMR vaccine.
• Adults aged 18 years and older who have previously received one dose of MMR vaccine should receive a second dose if they are health care workers, military personnel, post-secondary students, planning to travel outside of Canada or based on the health care provider’s recommendation.

Adults born before 1970 who are unsure about their immunity should receive a dose if they are health care workers, military personnel, post-secondary students, planning to travel outside of Canada, or based on the health care provider’s recommendation.

For more information about measles, please visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak with a public health professional.