_{This article is sponsored by Rutland Pharmacy.}

Measles might feel like a virus of the past, but it's making an unsettling return. According to Steven Hopp from Rutland Medical Pharmacy, over 200 new cases were confirmed in Canada in just the first week of June. The resurgence, largely driven by reduced vaccination rates and increased global travel, has public health officials concerned, especially when it comes to young children. While many of us were vaccinated in childhood, gaps in immunization and hesitancy are leaving some vulnerable to a virus that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, seizures, and in rare cases, death.

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is offered for free and typically administered at 12 months and again between ages four and six. For children who missed those shots or for parents unsure of their child’s immunization history, records can be accessed through the provincial health portal. If records are missing, it's better to vaccinate than leave it to chance. Even adults born after 1970 are encouraged to check their records since they may not have natural immunity.

What’s striking is how contagious measles really is. Ninety percent of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus are likely to catch it. With symptoms taking up to two weeks to show and carriers being contagious even before symptoms appear, it's easy for the virus to spread before anyone realizes it's there.

For parents with questions or concerns, Rutland Medical Pharmacy offers support, vaccines for children over four, and clear advice without pressure. As Steven puts it, their goal is simple: help the community make informed decisions about their health, one conversation at a time.