April 30, 2026
MMR vaccine update: Priorix (Lot # E5N74) shelf life extended
Health authorities have confirmed that measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine Priorix (DIN 2239208), Lot # E5N74, has a registered shelf life of 24 months, despite the product label indicating a 12 month shelf life due to a printing error. There is no impact to product quality or patient safety, and this lot may be used until May 2027.
This lot was distributed across B.C. within the past six months. Given its prior supply constraints, pharmacies are asked to retain and continue using eligible doses from this lot to avoid unnecessary wastage resulting from the labelling error.
See manufacturer correspondence for reference. (Priorix Tetra is not supplied in B.C., and no shelf life extension applies to that product.)
The number of measles cases reported in B.C. continues to rise. For the most up-to-date case counts and exposure locations, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website here.
The BCCDC has updated the publicly funded MMR vaccine product pages to indicate that immunocompetent individuals born before January 1, 1970, are considered immune to measles and mumps from past infection and are not eligible for the publicly funded MMR vaccine for measles or mumps protection.
Key revisions:
- Immunocompetent individuals born before 1970:
- Not eligible for the publicly funded MMR vaccine, even if they are traveling.
- Natural infection is assumed, or they may have been previously vaccinated, as the virus was widely circulating at this time. Serological studies confirm that people born before 1970 have very high levels of immunity to measles (>95% seroprotection).
- This high level of immunity means that additional vaccination is not needed.
- Healthcare workers: No changes to existing recommendations
- Special populations: Continue to follow Part 2 – Immunizations of Special Populations
Considerations:
- If clients born before 1970 have booked for the MMR vaccine – inform them that they are already considered immune and do not need the vaccine.
- For high-risk clients, see Part 2 – Immunizations of Special Populations
Updated guidance:
- BCCDC immunization guidelines – MMR vaccine and MMRV vaccine
- Part 2 – Immunizations of Special Populations
- Select populations -Travelers
Serology: Serology is not routinely required to assess for measles immunity. If immunity is unknown (e.g., no immunization records), please provide the client an additional dose of MMR vaccine. Serology is only recommended in very specific circumstances and is rarely indicated (e.g., confirming immunity in HCWs with a known measles exposure or to guide the use of IVIG in measles post-exposure prophylaxis in certain populations).
Suspected measles: If measles is suspected (i.e., compatible clinical symptoms with potential exposure or travel to high-prevalence areas, particularly in the absence of immunity), use airborne precautions and report the case to public health.
- Fraser Health: 1-866-990-9941
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Interior Health:
- Business hours: 1-866-778-7736
- After business hours: 1-866-457-5648
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Island Health:
- South Island: 1-866-665-6626
- Central Island: 1-866-770-7798
- North Island: 1-877-887-8835
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Northern Health:
- Business hours: 250-645-3794
- After business hours: 250-565-2000, press 7, ask for the MHO on call
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Vancouver Coastal Health:
- Business hours: 1-855-675-3900
- After business hours: 604-527-4893
For details and exposure updates, refer to BCCDC Measles webpage.
If your pharmacy does not offer MMR vaccine, please refer patients to the BCPhA MMR listing page or ask that they contact their local health unit to inquire. If you'd like your pharmacy added to the map please fill out this form.
As per Pharmacists and publicly funded vaccines in B.C. guide - Province of British Columbia, in exceptional circumstances, when there are no publicly funded doses on hand, pharmacies may use private supply and re-stock with publicly funded vaccines from their local public unit. Pharmacies are not to charge eligible patients for the MMR vaccine.