Measles vaccine eligibility expands in Waterloo Region as cases, exposures increase
Posted May 16, 2025 03:59:23 PM.
Last Updated May 16, 2025 05:31:14 PM.
Waterloo Region is among the areas in western Ontario where eligibility for the measles vaccine has been expanded.
“The Ontario Ministry of Health expanded the eligibility criteria for Measles vaccination for areas that continue to see increased transmission and community exposures,” read a release from the Region of Waterloo.
The expanded eligibility is outlined below:
- Infants age six months to one year of age are recommended to receive a single dose of vaccine (they must receive two additional doses after the first birthday)
- Children age one year to four years of age are recommended to receive an earlier second dose of vaccine as soon as possible (in the routine schedule they were eligible after four years of age)
- Adults born on or after 1970 are now recommended to receive a second dose of vaccine if they do not already have one
There continues to be a rise in cases and potential public exposures to measles in Waterloo Region.
As of Friday, there were 50 locations and 12 public transit routes listed on the potential measles exposure page.
Among the new locations were the Victoria Street Market, Cambridge Mill, Kitchener Train Station, and St. Mary’s high school — which was one of two Kitchener high schools that had to close this week because of measles.
More details on measles, including how to get vaccinated, can be found by clicking here.
