Manitoba is broadening eligibility for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
This comes as the result of the number of measles cases continuing to rise in our province. Vaccine eligibility now includes infants from six months to under 12 months of age, living in Southern Health-Sante Sud and the Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority.
This vaccine is also now available to children aged six months to under 12 months of age, who travel regularly to and have close contact with residents from either of these two health regions.
Our province says that the early dose does not include protection from varicella, as the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine is not recommended for use in infants under 12 months of age. All infants should still receive two doses of MMRV after their first birthday and at least four weeks after the previous dose of any measles vaccine to ensure long-lasting immunity.