Incidence of measles in Canada has been very low since the introduction of publicly funded measles vaccination programs in Canada in the 1970s. Canada has maintained measles elimination status since 1998. Routine immunization programs have been, and continue to be, essential for sustaining measles elimination in Canada. Achieving and maintaining vaccination coverage of at least 95% is necessary for herd immunity and to reduce the impact of isolated outbreaks. Since 1998, outbreaks have occurred periodically, often among those who are unvaccinated against measles. Measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a critical component of measles exposure management, with the aim of minimizing severe outcomes and mortality due to measles for susceptible individuals who have had a confirmed exposure to measles.
Recent measles outbreaks in Canada and continued feasibility challenges of using human immunoglobulin products during measles outbreaks prompted NACI to revisit guidance on measles PEP. In 2018, NACI updated measles PEP guidance to include the use of intravenously administered human immunoglobulin (IVIg) for individuals weighing more than 30 kg or for those in whom large IM injection volumes or number of IM injections were a concern. However, the use of IVIg for measles PEP utilizes considerable healthcare resources, including infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and personnel requirements for product administration.
- Recommendation
- Americas
- Canada
- Measles
