As the kids prepare to head back to school, Interior Health (IH) has a message for parents.
The health authority wants parents and families to “take steps to protect their children and themselves” by making sure their young ones get the measles vaccine.
“As children return to school, they are spending more time indoors and interacting closely with others, which increases the risk of exposure to measles and other infectious diseases if a case arises,” explains IH deputy medical health officer Dr. Sanaz Vaseghi through a media release.
According to the Vaseghi, two doses of the measles vaccine “are almost 100% effective” in preventing the serious illness.
“Immunizations are the best defence against measles and other infectious diseases,” she notes. “It is important for kids to be immunized when they go back to school as they regularly interact with many other kids.”
Dr. Martin Lavoie, BC’s deputy provincial health officer, says there has been “significant increases” in measles cases in BC and Canada this year.
That includes measles exposures at several spots in Kamloops and a Kelowna middle school in June, as well as another at a Kelowna chain restaurant in July.
Parents and caregivers are able to check their child’s immunization records through Health Gateway, their local public health unit or their family doctor.
Children under four can get their vaccine through an appointment at a Community Health Centre, while older kids can potentially get their shots at a pharmacy.
To learn more about the measles, you can visit the IH website.
