The measles vaccine supply in Canada: Notice
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About the measles vaccine
Measles is a very contagious disease. Cases of measles are being reported in many parts of the world.
In Canada, cases can occur when someone who is not immune to measles (has not been vaccinated or not previously infected) travels to or visits from a country where measles is circulating. Measles cases can then spread among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people and communities.
People can receive the measles vaccine in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) or with the mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (MMRV). In some countries, the measles vaccine alone is given.
If you have been exposed to measles, you may also be given the MMR vaccine to help protect you from getting sick if you:
- are unvaccinated and
- are not known to be immune based on previous laboratory tests
In some specific circumstances, people exposed to measles are given a medication called human immunoglobulin (Ig). This medication is used as a post-exposure prophylaxis instead of the MMR vaccine.
Learn more about the measles vaccine.
Supply of the measles vaccine
We recognize the importance of the measles vaccine for people in Canada. Making sure you have access to the vaccine is a top priority for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
In Canada, 2 companies are authorized to make the MMR and MMRV measles-containing vaccines: Merck and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
Both companies supply Canada's public immunization programs. These are the routine childhood immunization programs that each province and territory manages.
The companies have told us that they are able to meet the demand for measles-containing vaccines for these programs. There is enough supply of the measles-containing vaccine and post-exposure prophylaxis to support targeted vaccination campaigns and manage a measles outbreak.
Merck also supplies the private market, such as travel health clinics, which makes up a very small portion of the overall demand. Merck is reporting shortages of its MMR and MMRV vaccines, and that the shortage is expected to end on May 17, 2024. GSK indicated that it will supply public programs only, as it is not able to meet private program demand.
Health Canada and PHAC are working closely with manufacturers, provinces and territories, and stakeholders across the health care system to:
- monitor the supply of measles-containing vaccines
- prevent shortages when possible
- mitigate their impacts and help resolve them if they do occur
Since provinces and territories are responsible for delivering immunization programs, you should direct any questions on measles vaccination eligibility to your local public health authority.
Visit the Provincial and territorial immunization information web page.
For more information
If you have questions or concerns about measles-containing vaccines, speak to a health care provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist.
Professional colleges oversee the practice of pharmacy and medicine in each province and territory.
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