The provincial government is ramping up efforts to get Albertans immunized against measles.
As of May. 5, there have been 265 cases of measles, with 55 over the weekend alone. Roughly 80 per cent of all cases have been in the central and south health zones.
“We are looking at one of the largest outbreaks in nearly 40 years. When fewer people are protected, measles spreads—and the risks go up, said Dr. Sunil Sookram, interim Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from measles. Get immunized against measles now and help prevent the spread. Help protect your communities.”
As cases increase, additional immunization appointments are being added daily to improve access to vaccines with an expansion of immunization clinic access across the central and south zones.
Clinics in the central zone will now have walk-in availability, including some with evening measles-specific clinics and additional Saturday availability.
In the south zone, both evening and weekend appointments are being added.
Alberta’s government and AHS have also introduced a new early dose of measles-containing vaccines, now available for infants six to 11 months of age.
This is on top of the routine immunization schedule, which is two doses of measles-containing vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age.
HealthLink 811 is introducing a dedicated measles hotline. Albertans seeking information about measles can fast track their call through HealthLink by calling 1-844-944-3434.
The measles hotline will speed up access to a professional who will:
- Assist with accessing your immunization records or general information
- Provide advice for those experiencing measles symptoms and are feeling unwell.
- Assist with booking measles immunization appointments or locating a public health clinic offering immunization in your area.
Alberta will also be running an expanded provincewide Don’t get measles. Get Immunized awareness campaign that will launch in mid-May across radio, print, digital, and social media.
“Getting immunized against measles is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.
“By expanding access to vaccines and reaching more Albertans with this advertising campaign, we hope more Albertans will protect themselves.”
This campaign will also be translated into over 14 languages to help reach Albertans whose first language is not English.
The additional languages in online ads will be French, Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Tagalog.
The additional languages in radio will be Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Farsi, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
A toolkit is also being developed to share with daycare providers to further ensure parents have the information they need to protect their children.
To find the latest measles cases and updates, click here.
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