In November 2025, Canada lost its measles elimination status after the same strain circulated within the country for more than 12 months. Canada reported 5,162 cases in 2025, including two infant deaths; BC had 389 cases, mostly in the Northern Health region. Measles is not only a children's issue: many adults had just one dose as kids, or cannot remember at all.
How many doses do adults need
- Adults born in 1970 or later: should have 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR).
- Health-care workers: those born after 1957 need 2 doses.
- Children follow the BC schedule: first dose at 12 months, second at 4 to 6 years.
Records lost, or just not sure
Many people no longer have their childhood vaccination booklet and only vaguely remember “getting the shots”. If you cannot confirm two doses, bring whatever records you can find and ask a pharmacist or doctor whether you should catch up. In BC, adults without immunity can get MMR free at pharmacies, public health clinics, and family doctors' offices. When in doubt, an extra dose is generally safer than a missed one; follow the clinician's advice.