In response to the ongoing outbreak of measles in southern Alberta, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is providing additional measles immunization opportunities for individuals at highest risk of illness, including those residing in areas with low immunization rates.
In the Central Zone of AHS, drop-in measles immunization clinics have been scheduled in the towns of Two Hills and Lacombe.
These clinics will offer the measles vaccine to children aged 12 months to 17 years who have not yet received measles vaccine, or who require a second dose of measles vaccine, to be fully protected.
Parents uncertain of their child’s immunization status are asked to call their local public health office before visiting any of the clinics.
Lacombe Community Health Centre will hold a clinic offering the measles vaccine to children between 12 and 17 months who have not had the vaccine or a second dose of the vaccine on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21 on site at 5010 51 St.
These clinics are set up for the measles vaccine only.
Influenza immunization is available at a Lacombe clinic on Nov. 19. For full clinic schedules, including local clinic details, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts.
The rash typically begins behind the ears and on the face, spreading down to the body and finally to the arms and legs.
Spread easily through the air, measles is extremely contagious, officials say.
A person with measles is considered to be contagious from one day before having any symptoms (which is usually about four to seven days before the rash appears), until four days after the appearance of the rash.
AHS is also reminding anyone with the symptoms of measles to stay home, avoid contact with others, and call Health Link Alberta (1-866-408-5465) before visiting any hospital, clinic, physician, or emergency department.
By calling ahead before seeking treatment, you can help reduce the potential risk of spreading this disease to others.
For more on measles, and the outbreak, check out http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/9255.asp or call 1-866-408-5465.
- Vossen