Residents ought to be able to get measles immunizations at area Community Health Centres and Public Health Offices, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
This comes after AHS declared a measles outbreak in its Calgary, Edmonton and Central Zones. Drumheller lies in the Central Zone.
According to a release, the declaration comes after several consecutive weeks in which new cases have been confirmed. Since February in the Central Zone, notifications of sites where there is potential exposure to measles have been sent to warn the public. These have largely been limited to Red Deer, with a few in Blackfalds, Camrose and Stettler.
According to its most recent release, though work undertaken by AHS on routine basis, related to measles cases, the declaration does not change the routine measure undertaken by AHS. However, Albertans are advised of the following changes to the routine childhood immunization schedule recommendations:
Effective immediately:
• Infants six months of age to less than 12 months of age who are living in or travelling to the Calgary, Central or Edmonton Zones of AHS, or travelling to any out-of-province destinations in which measles outbreaks are ongoing, are eligible for an early additional dose of measles vaccine. Infants who receive this additional early dose of vaccine will still be required to receive the two routinely recommended doses of measles vaccine, administered at 12 months of age and between four and six years of age. This additional early dose will provide short-term added protection to infants six months to less than 12 months of age, who are otherwise vulnerable during this time of increased risk of exposure to disease.
• Children age four and older, who are attending daycares/dayhomes and schools within the Calgary, Central or Edmonton Zones of AHS and have not yet received their second dose of measles vaccine, are advised to receive it as soon as possible. In non-outbreak circumstances, the routine childhood immunization schedule suggests the second dose be received anytime between four and six years of age. During an outbreak, ensuring children attending daycares/dayhomes and schools have received this second dose as soon as possible will reduce the likelihood of these children being excluded from these locations following exposure to disease.
To accomplish this in the Central Region a number of measles immunization clinics have been offered in Red Deer throughout the coming month.
“As always, measles vaccine also continues to be offered throughout the entire Central Zone, at Community Health Centres and Public Health offices. Appointments for routine immunizations, including childhood measles vaccine, also continue to be offered. Please call your local public health facility directly to book an appointment,” states a release.
Those unsure of their own or their child’s immunization history can contact their local public health office, or Health Link Alberta to discuss their needs.
Symptom of measles include a fever of 38.3 or higher, coughing, runny nose and red eyes. A red blotchy rash appears three to seven days after the fever starts, behind the ears and on the face, and spreading down the body. Measles is extremely contagious and spreads through air. There is no treatment for measles other than preventative immunizations.
