Why is
the MMR vaccine being offered to post-secondary and grade
12 students?
Nova Scotia is experiencing the largest outbreak of mumps
seen in recent years. This is the third outbreak of mumps
in Nova Scotia since 2005. Providing the vaccine now will
help prevent further outbreaks. These outbreaks have identified
that many Nova Scotians born between 1970 and 1992 may not
be protected against measles, mumps or rubella.
What post secondary students are eligible to receive
the vaccine?
The Department of Health Promotion and Protection is offering
measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine to all Nova Scotians
attending a university or college (both within and outside
of Nova Scotia) – as well as to all students from
outside of Nova Scotia attending universities and colleges
in Nova Scotia. Students at private colleges are included
in this program.
How can post-secondary and grade
12 students receive MMR Vaccine?
For post-secondary students, this will be a multi-year
program with vaccine being available at university health
clinics and other clinics held at post-secondary institutions.
Post-secondary students can be vaccinated at a doctor’s
office if they choose as this will be covered by MSI. This
program will be effective immediately.
Students in grade 12 will receive this vaccine through
a school based public health program in 2007 – 2008.
This vaccine is free of charge to post secondary students
and students in grade 12. Physicians will be able to bill
through the MSI billing system.
If a student received a second dose MR (measles,
rubella) vaccine; or a measles vaccine; or a mumps vaccine,
should they get revaccinated with MMR?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of MMR vaccinations
an individual can received. The benefit of ensuring protection
outweighs the risk of an additional dose.
Are people who do not attend post secondary institutions
eligible to receive this MMR vaccine?
Not at this time. Post-secondary students are at an increased
risk of getting measles, mumps or rubella; in part due to
their social activities and living in residence or other
communal living arrangements. The National Advisory Committee
on Immunization (NACI) recommends that students at post
secondary institutions should be offered a second dose of
MMR vaccine if they have not already had two doses of vaccine.
NACI is currently reviewing the need for additional doses
of MMR for the general population.
|
