Get Ready for School: Is Your Child Vaccinated?

As the countdown to the new school year begins, health officials in Kamloops are sounding the alarm about the importance of up-to-date vaccinations for children. With classes resuming on September 2, parents are encouraged to revisit their kids' immunization records.

Dr. Sanaz Vaseghi, Medical Health Officer, stresses that as students head back to school and spend more time in close quarters, they face heightened risks of exposure to dangerous infections like measles.

The Growing Concern of Measles and Other Infectious Diseases

British Columbia’s Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Martin Lavoie, echoes these concerns, urging parents to ensure their children are protected not only against measles, but also mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, and chickenpox. With children mixing more frequently outside their homes, the potential for outbreaks rises.

Recent reports indicate worrying trends; B.C. health officials have noted a “significant increase” in measles cases across the province, with Premier David Eby citing this surge as a “predictable outcome” linked to anti-vaccination movements.

Staggering Statistics: Measles Cases on the Rise!

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has documented 233 confirmed measles cases so far this year, alongside 19 probable cases. Alarmingly, 187 of these cases are from the Northern Health region alone. Kamloops has also seen its share, with 17 reported cases recently, though none are currently active.

Vaccination: A Shield Against Serious Illnesses

“Vaccinating your children is crucial to safeguard them against diseases that can lead to severe illness, long-term complications, or even death,” emphasizes Dr. Lavoie. Children under 18 can access publicly funded vaccines that protect against numerous illnesses, including measles, polio, and COVID-19. According to Dr. Vaseghi, receiving two doses of the measles vaccine is nearly 100% effective and provides lifelong protection.

Accessing Vaccines: Easy Steps for Parents!

Parents can book vaccination appointments at local health units or certain doctor's offices. For children over four, select pharmacies also offer vaccinations. Moreover, school-based programs routinely provide the HPV vaccine to Grade 6 students and other essential vaccines in Grade 9.

How to Check Your Child’s Vaccination Status

Health officials recommend that parents utilize Health Gateway or contact their local public health unit or family doctor to verify their child's immunization records. It's a small step that could have a monumental impact on their health.

With school just around the corner, don’t wait—ensure your child is protected!