Alberta's government is expanding measles immunizations access and launching a new advertising campaign to raise awareness and help prevent the spread.

Measles cases are on the rise in Alberta, with 210 confirmed to date, including 26 known active cases. Alberta's government is taking the current measles outbreaks seriously and is actively working to improve vaccination access and share information Albertans need to protect themselves.

As cases increase, additional immunization appointments are being added daily to improve access to vaccines with an expansion of immunization clinic access across the central and south zones starting May 5. Clinics in the central zone will now have walk-in availability, including some with evening measles-specific clinics and additional Saturday availability. In the south zone, both evening and weekend appointments are being added.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has planned for and is ready to ramp up additional measles clinics across the province including extending hours at existing measles-specific clinics and opening additional clinic space, based on demand.

Alberta's government and AHS have also introduced a new early dose of measles-containing vaccines, now available for infants six to 11 months of age in the north, central, and south zones of the province. This is on top of the routine immunization schedule, which is two doses of measles-containing vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age.

"Getting immunized against measles is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. By expanding access to vaccines and reaching more Albertans with this advertising campaign, we hope more Albertans will protect themselves." Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

Public health officials are collaborating with AHS to manage the outbreak response. They are also working with local leadership in areas with the highest case numbers to support affected communities and increase vaccination efforts. Most cases remain traceable, and officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

"We are looking at one of the largest outbreaks in nearly 40 years. When fewer people are protected, measles spreads-and the risks go up. Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from measles. Get immunized against measles now and help prevent the spread. Help protect your communities." Dr. Sunil Sookram, interim Chief Medical Officer of Health

Starting Monday, May 5, HealthLink 811 is introducing a dedicated measles hotline. Albertans seeking information about measles can fast track their call through HealthLink by calling 1-844-944-3434. The measles hotline will speed up access to a professional who will:

- Assist with accessing your immunization records or general information

- Provide advice for those experiencing measles symptoms and are feeling unwell.

- Assist with booking measles immunization appointments or locating a public health clinic offering immunization in your area.

"Primary Care Alberta encourages all Albertans to check their vaccination records, and those of their children, to ensure that they are protected from the highly contagious measles virus. Our dedicated team is ready to help you confirm your vaccination status, or to assist you and your family if you suspect that you've been exposed to measles." Kim Simmonds, CEO, Primary Care Alberta

Alberta's government is committed to providing the information needed to protect Albertans, with a dedicated measles webpage on alberta.ca. Albertans can visit the page, updated every weekday, for information related to the disease, including local exposure notifications issued by AHS to warn people of known exposure locations. Expanded advertising campaign launching next week

Since late March, Alberta's government has been running a social media campaign encouraging Albertans to check their immunization records to ensure they are protected against measles.

To further raise awareness, an expanded provincewide Don't get measles. Get Immunized awareness campaign is launching in mid-May across radio, print, digital, and social media. A toolkit is also being developed to share with daycare providers to further ensure parents have the information they need to protect their children.

This campaign will also be translated into over 14 languages to help reach Albertans whose first language is not English. The additional languages in online ads will be French, Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Tagalog. The additional languages in radio will be Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Farsi, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Quick facts

- Currently, appointments in the central zone are available within one day, while in the south zone appointments are available usually within one to two days.

- Following increased efforts to educate Albertans on measles and the importance of immunization, there has been a significant rise in immunizations across the province. Since March 16, there has been a 67% increase in comparison to last year.

- Data on measles, including total confirmed cases, is updated Monday to Friday on the government website.

- Weekly updates on immunization rates are done every Thursday.

- Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child's immunization history, can text "vaccine record" to 88111, call Health Link at 811 or their local public health office.

- Albertans can also text "measles" to 88111 to get measles health information texted to their mobile device.

- Symptoms of measles include:

-- fever of 38.3° C or higher

-- cough, runny nose and/or red eyes

-- a red, blotchy rash appears three to seven days after fever starts. It typically beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreads down the body and to the arms and legs

Related information

MyHealth Alberta

Measles - Alberta.ca

Measles Exposures in Alberta - AHS

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