Are you protected from the measles? Get checked, Sudbury health unit says

Sudbury has one of the highest immunization rates in the province when it comes to the measles vaccine, but health officials say people still shouldn't take any chances.

The measles virus has been making headlines after outbreaks in other parts of Ontario and some western provinces.

The Sudbury health unit reports about 96 per cent of school-aged children in the city have been immunized against the virus.

But a nurse practitioner in Sudbury who teaches at Laurentian University said adults should also make sure they are protected.

“Most people who were born before 1970 can assume to be immune to the measles just because of exposure,” Roger Pilon said.

“But if you are not sure, you don't have any records, I would recommend people make an appointment with their health care provider and discuss this with them.”

Parents in Ontario can refuse to immunize their children; however health units review immunization records each year for children enrolled in schools. If there is an outbreak, un-vaccinated children may be asked to stay home.

“They may be asked to leave the school during the period of the outbreak, so people are not excluded necessarily, for not being immunized, but they may be asked to leave during periods of outbreak [to avoid] further spread,” Pilon said.