Interior Health is looking to raise measles immunization rates with a number of planned clinics, including two this weekend in the Shuswap.
Both local clinics are being held on Saturday, May 24. One will take place between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Salmon Arm Health Centre at 851 16th Street NE. Too book at appointment, call 250-833-4100. The second clinic runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chase Health Centre, 825 Thompson Avenue. Call 250-769-3312 for an appointment.
The health authority says two doses of measles vaccine are "almost 100 per cent effective in preventing this serious illness and last a lifetime."
"Immunizations are the best defence against measles and other infectious diseases," said IH in a media release, encouraging people to check their immunization records to see if they are protected against measles, and to get immunized if they are not.
"There is no confirmed case of measles in the Interior at this time," noted Interior Health. "However, cases have been confirmed in other parts of B.C. and Canada and we recognize people from the Interior are travelling to other places in the province and country."
IH described measles as a highly contagious virus that can spread through air. People can pass the virus to others before they show symptoms, and the virus can stay suspended in the air in a room for several hours.
"If you think you or your child may have measles, please notify the health care provider/facility ahead of visiting so they can take precautions to limit the spread to other patients in the waiting room," said IH.
The measles vaccine is provided as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and is recommended for children beginning at the first birthday; a second dose is given at ages four to six, explained IH.
"Children as young as six months of age travelling to parts of the world where measles is more common should receive the MMR vaccine prior to departure. Children between one and four years of age can also get their second dose early if travelling to areas where measles is spreading.
"Adults should ensure they have received both doses of a measles-containing vaccine if they were born in 1970 or later. One dose is not enough to ensure adequate coverage."
For more information about measles, please visit or call 8-1-1.
