Saskatchewan is now offering measles vaccines to infants as young as six months old in areas where there is a high risk of exposure to the highly contagious disease.The province announced Tuesday that babies aged six to 11 months who live in, are travelling to, or have contact with individuals in high-risk areas can now receive an early dose of the measles vaccine."Our government wants to make sure that those who are most vulnerable and at high risk of exposure have the best protection possible," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "Providing parents with the option for an additional dose of measles vaccine for infants helps to protect those who cannot protect themselves."The change comes as measles continues to pose a risk during the summer months, according to health officials..Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said most children in Saskatchewan should continue following the regular immunization schedule, but the early dose option is now available during outbreak situations."This is similar to what is already being offered to some infants travelling internationally or to other parts of Canada with higher measles case numbers," Shahab said.The routine measles vaccination schedule at 12 and 18 months remains necessary to provide lifelong protection, officials emphasized. Immunization is considered the single most effective way to protect against measles.Measles spreads easily through the air and symptoms can include fever, cough, red eyes, and a blotchy red rash. Severe complications may include pneumonia, brain swelling, and death..Saskatchewan Health Authority Senior Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski urged residents to check their vaccination records as summer approaches."Please check your measles vaccination records and ensure you are up to date," she said.Anyone with measles symptoms should stay home and call HealthLine 811 for instructions rather than visiting a clinic, healthcare facility, or hospital without calling ahead.The measles vaccine, which has been safely used for more than 50 years, is available free of charge at public health offices across Saskatchewan.
