Manitoba lets pharmacists give measles vaccines amid outbreak
Updated
Updated · Global News · Apr 28
Manitoba lets pharmacists give measles vaccines amid outbreak
11 articles · Updated · Global News · Apr 28
Effective immediately, pharmacists can vaccinate Manitobans aged two to 19 as the province reports 556 cases in 2026, the highest total in Canada.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the move should improve access through trusted community providers and help families protect those most at risk.
Canada has reported 907 measles cases this year after losing elimination status in 2025, while PAHO has urged stronger surveillance and vaccination across the Americas.
With measles resurging and elimination status at risk, can North America restore public trust and vaccination rates before outbreaks become the new normal?
How might changing vaccination policies and misinformation trends shape the future of measles control in an increasingly connected world?
In response to Manitoba's severe measles outbreak in early 2026, marked by over 350 confirmed cases and a majority of infections among unvaccinated children, the province swiftly authorized pharmacists to administer publicly funded measles vaccines to youth aged 2 to 19. This move aimed to ease pressure on healthcare providers and improve vaccine access, especially in rural areas, though challenges like training and remote reach remained. The outbreak, fueled by low vaccination rates linked to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, led to hospitalizations and the loss of Canada's measles elimination status. Public health efforts now combine expanded vaccine access with community engagement and targeted education to rebuild trust and curb the crisis, while planning long-term strategies to restore high immunization coverage.