School communities encouraged to check measles immunization records
With a recent case of measles detected in British Columbia, health experts with Fraser Health are encouraging all district staff, students and their families to check if they are vaccinated against measles and help stop the spread of this vaccine preventable disease.
Even though measles is rare in B.C. due to high vaccination rates, it's still important to check your vaccination status.
For more information on measles, click here.
For the Fraser Health measles fact sheet, click here.
How can I check my or my child's immunization status?
- You can check your vaccination statuses online at https://healthgateway.gov.bc.ca/
- You can also check them using the Health Gateway app: iOS / Google Play
* Records for children under 12 years old are included on their parent's account.
For more information on checking immunization records, click here.
How can I get vaccinated?
Measles is easily avoidable thanks to the measles, mumps and rubella (mmr) vaccine, which is given in two doses.
Children typically receive the first dose at 12 months of age and again between four to six years old. Older children and teens who have not already been immunized are also recommended to get two doses of the MMR vaccine, as are adults born 1970 or later who have not had the measles. The mmr vaccine is free and available at any of the clinics listed below. For more information on vaccination schedules, visit immunizeBC.ca.
Why is the measles vaccine important?
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. Common measles symptoms include a cough, cold-like symptoms, red eyes and a fever, which are then followed a few days later by a full-body rash and sometimes bluish white spots in the mouth.
More serious cases can also lead to pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which in turn can cause seizures, deafness or permanent brain damage. Young children, especially those under 12 months of age, are most at-risk for experiencing serious symptoms.
What should I do if I plan to travel outside of B.C. for spring break?
There is a high risk of measles cases being brought back to B.C. due to ongoing measles outbreaks globally and decreasing vaccination coverage rates in Canada. Public Health Agency of Canada and the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control have issued statements advising individuals to check their measles immunization records and to vaccinate against measles prior to Spring Break travel. Vaccine appointments can be booked through local public health units.
How can I book an appointment?
To book an immunization appointment, contact any of the public health units below, or call the Fraser Health line at 604-476-7087.
Newton Health Unit
7337 137th St. Unit 200, Surrey
Phone: 604-592-2000
Guildford Health Unit
100-10233 153rd St., Surrey
Phone: 604-587-4750
North Surrey Health Unit
10362 King George Blvd Unit 220, Surrey
Phone: 604-587-7900
North Delta Health Unit
11245 84th Ave., North Delta
Phone: 604-507-5400
Cloverdale Health Unit
17700 56th Ave., Cloverdale
Phone: 604-575-5100For measles information in other B.C. health authorities, please see below:
Click for a full-size version of this fact sheet.
