Manitoba Health expands measles vaccine eligibility due to increasing cases

Vials of the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine shown in an undated image. Uploaded June 19, 2025. (File)

Manitoba Health has expanded measles vaccine eligibility due to the severity of the current outbreak, according to a public advisory Thursday from Southern Health–Santé Sud.

Children between the ages of six and 12 months living in Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) or the Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) are now eligible for one additional dose of the measles vaccine.

Children within the age group who travel regularly and have close contact with residents in SH-SS or IERHA, or who have been evacuated due to wildfires are also eligible.

The public advisory said that vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles, adding that two doses of the measles vaccine is almost completely effective in stopping infection.

Children typically receive their first dose of the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose between four and six years old, per the advisory.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause high fever, coughs, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.

The virus can easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, lingering in a room for up to two hours after they leave.

According to the latest data from the province, 105 measles cases have been confirmed in Manitoba from February to June 14.