Interior Health will set up additional vaccine clinics in Kimberley, Fernie and Golden to offer immunization against measles.
The clinics will be ongoing for the next six weeks, starting on Friday, May 23. You can find a detailed schedule of locations, dates and times at the bottom of this article.
So far, 10 cases have been diagnosed in B.C. this year, but over 500 have been detected in Alberta.
“There is no confirmed case of measles in the Interior at this time. However, cases have been confirmed in other parts of B.C. and Canada, and we recognize people from the Interior are travelling to other places in the province and country,” said Dr. Sanaz Vaseghi, Interior Health medical health officer.
Interior Health says people of all ages should check on their measles immunization status and get vaccinated if they have not received it already.
“These clinics are intended to raise immunization rates, recognizing two doses of the measles vaccine are almost 100 per cent effective in preventing this serious illness and last a lifetime,” said Vaseghi.
“Immunizations are the best defence against measles and other infectious diseases.”
Interior Health says the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children beginning at their first birthday, with the second dose given at four to six years old.
Travel can also play a factor in a child’s vaccine schedule.
“Children as young as six months of age travelling to parts of the world where measles is more common should receive the MMR vaccine prior to departure,” said Interior Health.
“Children between one and four years of age can also get their second dose early if travelling to areas where measles is spreading.”
Interior Health also encourages adults to check their vaccination status.
“Adults should ensure they have received both doses of a measles-containing vaccine if they were born in 1970 or later. One dose is not enough to ensure adequate coverage,” said Interior Health.
People of all ages can get vaccinated for free at their local health unit or health centre, and some health care professionals can give people of all ages MMR vaccines.
Children who are four years old and up and adults can get vaccinated at a pharmacy.
“In First Nations communities, infants, children, and adults can also be immunized by their community health nurse at their community health centre or nursing station,” said Interior Health.
Canada was declared measles-free in 1988, but a recent uptick in cases puts the country at risk of losing that status if the disease continues.
“If a member of the public has been in contact with someone with measles or travelled to an area with a measles outbreak, they should have themselves examined by a health care provider,” said Interior Health.
Health officials say measles is very easily spread and particularly dangerous to children.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air. People can pass the virus to others before they show symptoms, and the virus can stay suspended in the air in a room for several hours,” said Interior Health.
“If you think you or your child may have measles, please notify the health care provider/facility ahead of visiting so they can take precautions to limit the spread to other patients in the waiting room.”
Interior Health’s vaccine clinic schedule can be found below:
- Golden
- Alexander Park Elementary School (1000 14 Ave S) – Friday, May 23 from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Kinsmen/Clown Park (902 10th Street S) – Friday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Fernie
- Ecole Sophie-Morigeau (44 Mt Washburn St) – Wednesday, May 28, starting at 10 a.m.
- Fernie Secondary School (102 Fairway Drive) – Monday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ecole Sophie-Morigeau (44 Mt Washburn St) – Wednesday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ecole Isabella Dicken Elementary (1301 2 Ave) – Wednesday, June 11 from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ecole Isabella Dicken Elementary (1301 2 Ave) – Thursday, June 12, starting at 9 a.m.
- Kimberley
- Blarchmont Early Learning Centre Field (1850 Warren Ave) – Wednesday, June 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
You can find additional information on measles and outbreaks through the BCCDC or Interior Health.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
