That would be a major blow for Canada’s hope of being a measles elimination country again, says the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Dr. Margot Burnell, the CMA President, made clear the necessity of vaccination in a recent statement. She encouraged Canadians to unite to shield themselves and their communities from this very contagious disease.
Measles was eliminated in Canada in 1998, which at the time was considered a monumental public health success. Since then, the country has maintained the disease’s elimination for more than 25 years. This accomplishment is attributed to a national commitment from Canadians, health care providers, and governments to promote and receive vaccinations.
As Dr. Burnell reminded us, the fight against measles is still not over. “Measles is still a very contagious disease that poses a serious risk for complications,” she said. Dr. Burnell underscored the critical role that vaccinations play in safeguarding not only individuals but their loved ones and the wider community.
The measles vaccine is nearly 100% effective at protecting people from the disease. Canadians are encouraged to seek guidance on the vaccine from trusted health care providers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and local public health clinics. These resources are a great starting point for finding accurate and reliable information to answer any questions or concerns you might have about the vaccine.
On the ground, local public health clinics are critical in helping raise awareness and promote uptake of the measles vaccine. They provide access to vaccinations and offer educational resources for those seeking to understand more about measles and its implications. Through the use of these resources, Canadians can make smart choices to protect their health and their supports to protect the public’s health.
