Measles

In Yukon, the MMR and MMRV vaccines are part of the routine immunization schedule for children. These vaccines are recommended and provided free to eligible people.

These vaccines are given by injection and protect against:

• Measles 
• Mumps 
• Rubella 
• Varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV only) 

MMR and MMRV are live vaccines. They contain weakened forms of viruses that cannot cause disease in healthy people.

Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are almost 100% effective at preventing measles illness.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for:

• Children 12 months of age and older as part of Yukon’s routine immunization schedule 
• Health care workers, regardless of year of birth 
• People born after 1970 
• People with incomplete or unknown immunization records 

The MMRV vaccine is recommended for:

• Children 4–6 years of age for the routine preschool booster 

Special Considerations:

• In the event of a measles outbreak, Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC), under the direction of the Territorial Medical Health Officer, may make additional vaccine recommendations.
• Infants and children from 6 months to less than 12 months of age who are attending large gatherings with known unvaccinated people may be eligible for an early dose of MMR vaccine. Please talk to your health care provider.
• Some people with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant should not receive the MMR or MMRV vaccine. Talk to your health care provider to find out what is right for you.

Speak with your health care provider if you or your child:

• Had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine
• Have an immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment
• Received a blood transfusion or other blood products within the past 12 months
• Have active untreated tuberculosis
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided for one month after getting a live vaccine

There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns, speak with your health care provider.

• Common reactions to the immunization may include redness, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site. These are generally mild and last 1-2 days.
• Some people may experience fever, a general feeling of being unwell, and a mild rash 6 to 23 days after receiving the vaccine.
• Side effects of the immunization are easily relieved by: Applying a cold/damp compress to the site, administering a pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen if needed. Talk to health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last longer than expected.
• It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any immunization because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the health center. This happens to less than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number.

• Safe and highly effective 
  • Two doses of the MMR vaccine are almost 100% effective at preventing these diseases.
• Prevents measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox 
• Reduces risk of serious complications 
• Protects babies, pregnant people, and others who cannot be vaccinated 
• Free for eligible people in Yukon