Newfoundland and Labrador Maintains Measles-Free Status Amid National Outbreak

As of November 15, 2025, Canada has lost its measles elimination status, but Newfoundland and Labrador has managed to maintain its measles-free status. The province's chief medical officer, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, says Newfoundland and Labrador has yet to report a new case of measles, with the last case reported in 2017.

The reason for Newfoundland and Labrador's success in avoiding a measles outbreak is its high vaccination rates. According to Dr. Fitzgerald, 98% of children aged two and 93% of five-year-olds in the province are vaccinated against the virus. She attributes this to the province's strong public health system and the relationships that public health nurses have built with parents.

While more than 5,000 cases of the measles virus have been reported across Canada in the past year, Newfoundland and Labrador has managed to avoid the outbreak. Dr. Fitzgerald acknowledges that the province is not immune to future cases, but the high vaccination rate significantly reduces the risk of an outbreak.

To maintain this status, Dr. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy and engaging with under-vaccinated communities. She believes that continued efforts to promote vaccination and maintain the province's strong public health infrastructure will be crucial in keeping Newfoundland and Labrador measles-free.