As School Season Approaches, Health Officials Sound the Alarm

With school days just around the corner, it's time for families to gear up—but not just with backpacks and lunchboxes. Health officials are urging parents to take one crucial step: review their children's vaccination records.

Dr. Davinder Singh, Medical Officer of Health with Southern Health–Santé Sud, highlights the recent surge in measles cases as a dire reason to ensure kids are protected. "Now is the perfect time for families to check their immunization status, not just for children but everyone in the household," he emphasizes.

The Measles Crisis: Are Your Kids Safe?

Manitoba has reported 11 hospitalizations related to measles this year, including one requiring intensive care—all cases involved unvaccinated children under 10. Dr. Singh stresses that measles is one of the most infectious viruses, with early symptoms often mimicking a cold. These can escalate to a rash, often appearing after the virus has already begun spreading.

"The contagious period starts four days before the rash—meaning kids can unknowingly infect others before they even realize they're sick," he warns.

Immunization: Your Best Defense!

Immunization is the most effective way to protect against measles. Typically, children receive their first measles vaccine at 12 months and a second between ages 4 and 6. But life gets busy, and it's easy to miss appointments—but reviewing vaccination records is critical, no matter your child’s age.

"It’s never too late to catch up. We can help families get back on track with missed vaccinations," Dr. Singh assures.

A Tried-and-True Solution

The measles vaccine, introduced in the 1960s, offers remarkable protection—93% with one dose, jumping to 97% with the second dose. Even if a vaccinated child contracts measles, the symptoms are generally milder, making vaccination a community necessity.

This vaccine doesn’t just shield against measles; it also protects against mumps and rubella, and sometimes even chickenpox. Immunization strengthens the community’s immunity, especially for those who cannot get vaccinated due to health constraints.

Prepare for a Healthy School Year!

As we enter the fall, families should brace for a wave of respiratory illnesses likely to spread quickly in schools. Dr. Singh reminds us that while we can’t prevent every sniffle, we can reduce severity and transmission.

Parents are urged to get flu shots, stay updated on COVID vaccines, and maintain good health practices, like keeping sick kids at home and encouraging proper hand hygiene. With flu and COVID vaccines coming soon, there are ample opportunities for added protection.

What to Do If You Suspect Measles

If you think your child might have measles, Dr. Singh advises contacting Health Links or your healthcare provider before heading to a clinic to prevent spreading the virus.

Testing is vital—not just for care but for protecting others from exposure. If diagnosed, keep the child at home for at least four days after the rash appears. Even kids who've had measles should still get vaccinated to fend off other viruses.

Start the School Year Off Right!

As children sharpen pencils and lace up new shoes for their first day back, let’s make sure they’re also ready to tackle the school year with robust health. Dr. Singh insists, "Vaccines are safe, effective, and widely available. By prioritizing immunizations, we protect not just our kids, but every child in the classroom."