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Alberta expands measles response as outbreak grows
Alberta is expanding access to measles immunization as the province continues to grapple with its largest outbreak in decades, with 265 confirmed cases and 42 of them actively contagious as of Monday.
Roughly 86 per cent of total cases have been reported in the south and central zones, where vaccine uptake remains well below the 95 per cent needed to prevent further spread.
“We’re encouraged to see more people stepping up to get protected,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. “But we’re not where we need to be. There’s still work to be done.”
The province has introduced walk-in clinics, evening and weekend appointments, and an early vaccine dose for infants aged six to 11 months. Immunization coverage has risen 67 per cent since mid-March compared to the same period last year, but LaGrange warned that progress must continue.
“Starting today, access is being expanded even further in the hardest-hit regions to make it easier and faster for Albertans to get their shots,” she said.
In addition to expanded clinic hours, a new measles-specific HealthLink line is now live, helping Albertans book appointments, locate services and access their vaccine records. A broader public awareness campaign will launch next week in more than 14 languages, aimed at encouraging families to check their immunization status.
“Measles is preventable, but only if enough of us are protected,” said LaGrange. “We owe it to the most vulnerable — including infants and those who can’t be vaccinated — to stop this disease in its tracks.”
While the Calgary, Edmonton and north zones have seen limited spread so far, Alberta’s interim chief medical officer of health said the outbreak is a warning sign.
“When fewer people are immunized, measles finds a way back in,” said Dr. Sunil Sookram. “We can’t afford to let our guard down.”
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and say further measures are possible if cases continue to rise.
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