Measles Updates

Children’s Hospital

Paediatric areas, including the Paediatric Medical Day Unit (PMDU), inpatient floor and Children's Hospital Emergency Department:

• One (1) parent/caregiver at a time will be permitted to stay with a child while they receive care at Children’s Hospital. This applies to all paediatric patients who are admitted to hospital, being seen in the emergency department or attending outpatient appointments.  
• All parent/caregivers will be screened before entering and must provide proof of measles immunity OR wear an N95 mask at all times. Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine, those born before 1970, or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus. Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
• No siblings, other family members or friends will be allowed to enter at this time.
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):

• One (1) parent/caregiver at a time will be able to stay with a baby while they are receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• All parent/caregivers will be screened before entering and must provide proof of measles immunity. Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine that were given at least two weeks prior, those born before 1970, or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus. Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
• No siblings, other family members or friends will be allowed to enter at this time.
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis.

Women's Care program

Outpatient (ambulatory) clinic appointments:

• If you are feeling unwell or have been exposed to measles over the past 21 days, please call your physician or midwife before arriving. Your care provider may choose to defer your appointment or see you virtually instead. If this isn’t possible, you will be required to wear a mask while we complete further assessment. 
• One (1) support person may accompany you to your appointment if they can provide proof of measles immunity OR wear an N95 mask at all times. Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine that were given at least two weeks prior, those born before 1970, or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus. Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.

Inpatient units, including Antenatal, the Obstetrical Care Unit (OBCU) and Postpartum Care Unit (PPCU):

• One (1) adult support person may be with you at a time during your hospital stay if they can provide proof of measles immunity OR wear an N95 mask at all times. Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine that were given at least two weeks prior, those born before 1970, or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus. Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
• Your support person should stay by your side, only leaving the room when necessary.
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis.

Some other units who serve higher-risk patient populations may have additional precautions in place. We encourage families or care givers to connect with the unit they are visiting directly to address questions or concerns.

Children's Hospital

For all paediatric inpatient areas, including on B6, the Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU), High Dependency Transition Unit (HDTU) and Child & Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH):

• Two (2) adult parents/care partners at a time will be permitted to stay with a patient while they are in their care space.
• Before entering, all parents/care partners will need to pass screening and provide proof of measles immunity (preferable) or wear an N95 mask at all times.
  • Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine, those born before 1970 or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus.
  • Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
• No children, including siblings, or other family and friends will be allowed to enter at this time. 
• Parents/care partners are encouraged to stay in the patient’s immediate care area/room at all times. 
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis. Patients seeking exception are asked to contact their care team.

For the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):

• Option 1: Two (2) parents/adult care partners at a time will be permitted to stay with a patient while they are receiving care IF they pass screening, provide proof of measles immunity AND wear an N95 mask at all times.

  • Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine, those born before 1970 or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus. 

    Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.

• Option 2: Only one (1) parent/adult care partner at a time will be permitted to stay with a patient while they are receiving care IF they cannot provide proof of measles immunity. The one parent/adult care partner must still pass screening and wear an N95 mask at all times.
• No children, including siblings, or other family and friends will be allowed to enter at this time. 
• Parents/care partners are encouraged to stay in the patient’s immediate care area/room at all times. 
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis. Patients seeking exception are asked to contact their care team.

For all paediatric outpatient areas, including the Paediatric Medical Day Unit (PMDU), and Children’s Emergency Department:

• One (1) adult parent/care partner at a time will be permitted to stay with a patient while they are receiving care.
• Before entering, all parents/care partners will need to pass screening and provide proof of measles immunity (preferable) or wear an N95 mask at all times.
  • Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine, those born before 1970 or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus.
  • Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
• No children, including siblings, or other family and friends will be allowed to enter at this time. 
• Parents/care partners are encouraged to stay in the patient’s immediate care area/room at all times.
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis. Patients seeking exception are asked to contact their care team. 

Women's Care program

For all inpatient areas, including Antenatal, the Obstetrical Care Unit (OBCU) and Postpartum Care Unit (PPCU):

• Two (2) adult care partners at a time will be permitted to stay with a patient while they are in their care space.
• Before entering, all care partners will need to pass screening and provide proof of measles immunity (preferable) or wear an N95 mask at all times.
  • Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine, those born before 1970 or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus.
  • Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
• No children, including siblings, or other family and friends will be allowed to enter at this time. 
• Care partners are encouraged to stay in the patient’s immediate care area/room at all times. 
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis. Patients seeking exception are asked to contact their care team.

For all outpatient areas, including the Obstetrical/Gynecology Ambulatory Clinic:

• One (1) adult care partner at a time will be permitted to stay with a patient while they are receiving care.
• Before entering, all care partners will need to pass screening and provide proof of measles immunity (preferable) or wear an N95 mask at all times.
  • Proof of immunity includes: a certificate showing two doses of the MMR vaccine, those born before 1970 or bloodwork results that show antibodies to the virus. 
  • Those who are unaware of their vaccination status can contact their local public health unit or primary care provider.
• No children, including siblings, or other family and friends will be allowed to enter at this time. 
• Care partners are encouraged to stay in the patient’s immediate care area/room at all times. 
• Exceptions can be made by each patient's care team on a case-by-case basis. Patients seeking exception are asked to contact their care team. 

Some other areas that serve higher-risk patient populations may have additional precautions in place. We are encouraging families or care givers to connect with the unit they are visiting directly prior to arriving.