Canada's measles travel health notice applies to every destination, including the United States. Canada generally has high measles vaccination rates, but its advice asks more of travellers than its everyday rules do. Here's who needs an MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) dose before a trip, and where to get one in Ontario.

Measles and travel in October 2026

The Government of Canada's notice Measles: Advice for travellers is at Level 1, Practise health precautions, and covers all countries. Last updated November 13, 2025, it says cases are rising in many parts of the world. Travellers can be exposed in airports, on planes, at crowded events and while visiting family where there are outbreaks.

Canada lost its measles elimination status on November 10, 2025, after the same strain spread here for more than a year in an outbreak that began in October 2024. As of October 3, 2026, Canada had reported 1,121 cases this year, 86% in unvaccinated people, and its weekly report still describes the outbreak as ongoing. Cases caught abroad this year involved travel to places including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico, the United States, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam.

Measles spreads through the air, and the virus can linger for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves. It can cause pneumonia and, rarely, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) or death. Children under 5, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of severe complications.

Do I need a dose before my trip?

Canada's travel advice covers any trip outside Canada. Find your group:

Born in 1970 or later, aged 12 months or older: 2 doses in total, at least 4 weeks apart, on or after the first birthday. Had one? You need one more. Toronto Public Health notes that adults born from 1970 to 1995 may have had only one dose as children.
Born before 1970: Canada usually presumes you're immune, because you likely had measles as a child, but not when you travel. With no record of a dose and no lab proof of immunity, Canada recommends 1 dose. US advice uses 1957 as its cut-off; this guide follows Canada.
Babies: an early dose is possible from 6 months. Younger babies are too young for the vaccine.

You don't need a dose if you have one of these:

a record of the doses for your group
a blood test showing immunity
a past measles infection confirmed by a lab test

A remembered childhood illness doesn't count without a lab test. Adults who've had the doses recommended for their age and risk don't need boosters. A health care provider can confirm what you need.

Babies and young children

6 to 11 months. For travel where measles is a concern, a baby can get MMR from 6 months. This dose doesn't count toward the routine series, so 2 more are still needed on or after the first birthday, for 3 in total. In Ontario, it's publicly funded for infants travelling to areas where measles is a concern.

Under 6 months. The vaccine isn't recommended. Ask your baby's health care provider how best to protect them.

1 to 4 years. Ontario gives MMR at age 1 and the second dose, as MMRV, at age 4, so younger children usually have only one dose. Toronto Public Health advises children aged 1 to 4 travelling to an area with more measles to get their second dose before the trip, at least 4 weeks after the first. See travel vaccines for children.

Pregnancy, weakened immunity and allergies

Pregnant: MMR is generally not given in pregnancy because of a theoretical risk to the baby. If you're not immune, talk to a health care provider before you travel, and call them right away if you're exposed: immunoglobulin, an antibody treatment, given within 6 days can prevent measles or make it milder. See travel vaccines and pregnancy.
Planning a pregnancy: wait at least 4 weeks after an MMR dose.
Breastfeeding: you can be vaccinated.
Weakened immune system: MMR is a live vaccine, and whether it's safe depends on your condition or treatment. Check with the doctor who manages your care first.
Allergy: anaphylaxis to an earlier dose or to an ingredient rules it out. An egg allergy doesn't.
Active, untreated tuberculosis (TB): TB treatment comes first.

Finding your vaccine records

Look for your yellow immunization card, which Ontario calls a permanent personal immunization record.
Ask the doctor or clinic that vaccinated you for a copy. Toronto Public Health says your local public health unit may also have one.
Written or electronic records are best, but Canada's immunization guide says a provider's phone confirmation with exact dates may be accepted.

No record? Canada's immunization guide says to treat you as unvaccinated and start the doses you need. Extra MMR doses haven't been shown to cause harm, and routine blood tests for immunity aren't recommended for most people. Travel with copies of your records and leave the originals at home.

Timing and your other travel vaccines

Toronto Public Health advises getting the vaccine at least 2 weeks before you travel. Two doses must be at least 4 weeks apart, so if you need both, start about 6 weeks ahead. That fits Canada's advice to see a health care provider about 6 weeks before you leave; Ontario's page for adults suggests 2 or 3 months. Leaving sooner? It's still worth an appointment: one dose is up to 95% effective, and two about 99%.

Most other travel vaccines can be given at the same visit.
Yellow fever and other live injected vaccines: the same day as MMR, or at least 4 weeks apart. Only designated yellow fever vaccination centres give that vaccine, so plan both visits together.
TB skin or blood test (IGRA): before or on the same day as MMR, or at least 4 weeks after, because the vaccine can cause a false-negative result.

Some people get a fever or mild rash 1 to 3 weeks after the shot; it usually goes away within a few days.

Where to get it in Ontario

Ontario's publicly funded schedule makes adults who have had only one MMR dose eligible for a free second dose if they're planning to travel where measles is a concern. Adults who have never had measles or the vaccine are covered too, as is the early dose for travelling babies. Toronto Public Health says the vaccine is free at doctors' offices. Ontario pharmacies give publicly funded vaccines only for flu and COVID-19, so an MMR at a pharmacy is paid out of pocket, though private insurance may cover some costs.

Need other travel vaccines or malaria pills too? A $110 virtual consultation with a physician licensed in Ontario can review your records and plan the whole trip. You need to be in Ontario during the video call. Prescriptions go to our Toronto pharmacy, Cloud Pharmacy at 55 Dundas St E, where pharmacists give travel vaccines.

If you're exposed or get sick

Before you leave: if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has measles, don't travel. Contact your local public health authority.
After an exposure: if you might not be immune, call a health care provider or public health right away. MMR within 72 hours or, for some people, immunoglobulin within 6 days can prevent measles or make it milder. Watch for symptoms for at least 21 days. Abroad, follow local public health officials' advice.
The signs: fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, usually 7 to 21 days after exposure, then a blotchy rash that starts on the face 3 to 7 days later. People are contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.
Sick on the way home: wear a well-fitting respirator or mask, limit contact with others, and tell the flight attendant, cruise staff or border services officer.
Sick after you're back: stay home and call a health care provider right away. Describe your symptoms and the countries you visited before you go in, so they can see you without exposing others. See illness after travel.

Frequently asked questions

Does a trip to the United States or Europe count?

Yes. Canada's measles notice covers every country, and its immunization guide's advice applies to all travel outside Canada.

Should I get a blood test instead of the vaccine?

Usually not. Canada's immunization guide doesn't recommend routine immunity testing for most people, and an extra MMR dose hasn't been shown to cause harm.

I'm allergic to eggs. Can I get MMR?

Yes. Canada's immunization guide says it can be given in the usual way, even after a severe allergic reaction to eggs.

Measles Before You Travel: Who Needs an MMR Dose? A Canadian Guide