Measles Resurgence: Is Manitoba on the Brink of Mandatory Vaccination?
Manitoba is grappling with a growing measles outbreak, sparking debate over whether mandatory vaccination for students is a necessary step to protect public health. While the province isn’t currently considering such measures, a growing chorus of voices, including school officials, are questioning if it’s time to revisit a policy abandoned decades ago.
A History of Vaccination Requirements in Manitoba
Vaccination wasn’t always optional for Manitoba students. Previously, the province did require vaccinations for school attendance. However, this requirement was repealed in 1999. Now, as cases climb – Manitoba has already recorded more measles cases in February than in any single month since the outbreak began over a year ago – the discussion is resurfacing.
The Case for Mandatory Vaccination
Linda Ross, a trustee with the Brandon School Division, believes the current outbreak could have been significantly less severe had mandatory vaccination remained in place. In 2018, her division formally requested the Manitoba School Boards Association lobby the province to require vaccinations for several illnesses, including measles. The proposal was defeated, with parental rights cited as the primary concern.
Ross argues that schools are ideal environments for disease transmission due to close proximity and frequent interaction. She expressed concern that declining immunization rates are jeopardizing herd immunity, potentially leading to the re-emergence of diseases once considered eradicated. “It does make me angry,” she said. “It’s just so unnecessary. We’ve made such progress and now we’re going backwards.”
The Impact of the Current Outbreak
The current measles outbreak is not limited to a single location. Public health investigations have identified potential exposure sites across southern Manitoba, including multiple locations in Brandon. As of February 20, 2026, Manitoba has reported 520 measles cases, with 85 per cent occurring in individuals with no doses of the measles vaccine. Twenty-seven hospitalizations, including 18 children under 10, have been reported, with two patients requiring ICU admission.
Recent exposures have been linked to travel, including flights from Belize and Mexico to Winnipeg. Specific locations like Baldur School and Penfor Construction in Blumenort have also been identified as potential exposure sites.
Expert Perspectives: A Tipping Point?
Dr. Gerald Evans, an infectious disease specialist at Queen’s University, suggests that studies indicate mandatory vaccination can effectively reduce measles cases, particularly among children. He emphasizes that children spend more time in close contact than adults, making them more susceptible to transmission. He also highlights the greater severity of measles in children and the importance of herd immunity for protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.
Evans believes Canada may be reaching a “tipping point” due to declining immunization rates and the spread of misinformation online. He suggests that mandates could help counteract this trend.
Legal and Political Considerations
While legislation to reinstate mandatory vaccination could be enacted relatively quickly in Manitoba, legal and political hurdles remain. Associate law professor Brandon Trask notes potential challenges related to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly regarding exemptions for medical, religious, or conscientious reasons. The province would need to demonstrate that no less restrictive measures could achieve the same public health goals.
Other Provinces Leading the Way
Recent Brunswick and Ontario already require measles vaccinations for school attendance, with provisions for exemptions. Ontario recently declared its measles outbreak over in October and a review of its response highlighted the effectiveness of vaccine policies in mitigating the spread.
FAQ: Measles and Vaccination in Manitoba
Q: Is measles a serious illness?
A: Yes, measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.
Q: What is herd immunity?
A: Herd immunity occurs when a large percentage of the population is immune to a disease, making it difficult for the disease to spread and protecting those who are not immune.
Q: What are the current vaccination recommendations in Manitoba?
A: Manitoba has expanded eligibility for measles-containing vaccine for children aged 6 months to under 12 months, particularly those residing in or travelling to Southern Health-Santé Sud, Interlake Eastern, or Prairie Mountain Health regions.
Q: Where can I locate information about measles exposures in Manitoba?
A: Information about public exposures is regularly updated on the Manitoba Health website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles-exposures.html
Did you know? The measles virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
Pro Tip: Check the Manitoba Health website regularly for updates on measles exposures and vaccination recommendations.
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