[ad_1]
British Columbia's "catch-up" program has taken off since its launch in April, with health officials seeking to minimize the risk of contracting the highly infectious disease of measles.
More than 15,796 doses of measles vaccines have been administered to children and adolescents since BC launched pop-up clinics in schools and cities, Health Ministry said in a report published Tuesday.
Nearly 12,000 doses of the MMR vaccine were given just in May.
"We are making real progress, but sustained efforts are needed to reach the levels of immunity needed to protect our children," Health Minister Adrian Dix said in the report.
"We are working with our immunization experts on the Vaccine Status Notification Regulation, which will come into effect in September 2019. More details will be forthcoming soon."
Ten announced the measles immunization catch-up program on April 1, after 29 people have caught the highly contagious virus since January, following multiple skin rashes. Cases have been confirmed in the Lower Mainland, Greater Victoria and Cariboo.
More recently, a traveler infected with measles made a stopover at the Vancouver International Airport, triggering an alert from the BC Center for Disease Control.
Measles spreads easily in the air by coughing, sneezing and breathing. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the chest.
The province's goal is 95% vaccination.
Ten urged all parents or guardians with questions about their child's immunity to contact their regional health authority or family doctor.
@ashwadhwani
[email protected]
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
[ad_2]
Source link
