Measles | Northern Health

BC’s measles immunization catch-up program

What is the school-aged immunization catch-up program?

The provincial immunization catch-up program helps families protect their children against measles. The program runs from April to June, and will provide measles vaccines for children from kindergarten to grade 12 who are unimmunized or not fully immunized.

Why do we need a measles vaccine?

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air. At least 95 per cent of the population needs to be immunized to develop herd immunity. No active cases of measles have been confirmed in Northern Health, but the risk of an outbreak due to international travel remains.

Where will my child get their immunizations?

Immunizations will be offered via school clinics and community clinics, depending upon the needs of each community.

Immunization clinics will be provided at schools and local public health units. Watch for information from your child’s school and/or health unit. Parents can also connect with their child’s school and/or health unit for further details on school immunization clinic dates or other immunization options.

Is my child immunized?

Children are eligible for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months and 4 years of age. Check your child’s records to see if they are immunized. Parents of eligible children who are not up-to-date for measles vaccinations will receive an immunization consent package for their child via their child’s school. Parents are encouraged to contact their local health unit for any questions or concerns with respect to their child’s immunization history.

How do I access my child’s immunization records?

Check with your local health unit if your child was immunized at the health unit or in school. If your child’s immunizations were provided by a doctor or pharmacist, contact the doctor or pharmacist who provided the immunization. For additional tips on locating immunization records please visit ImmunizeBC.

Do I have to participate in this program?

The provincial measles immunization catch-up program for students (kindergarten to grade 12) is voluntary and is intended to help families protect their children against measles by offering enhanced access to vaccination for those children who are unimmunized or not fully immunized.