Overview

• Canada has recorded nearly 5,000 measles cases this year, raising concerns that elimination status could be lost.
• Most provinces provide MMR‑V at 12 and 18 months, whereas British Columbia and Ontario give the combined second dose at school entry after earlier separate shots.
• National two‑dose coverage in seven‑year‑olds fell to 76% in 2023 from 86% in 2019, below the roughly 95% needed for herd immunity.
• Experts say Canada lacks evidence to declare whether an 18‑month second dose or a 4–6‑year second dose is superior, even as pediatric groups renew calls for a harmonized schedule.
• Six provinces operate electronic vaccine registries that are not linked, and specialists say interoperable systems with reminders would help families keep children on time and support catch‑up efforts.