As Canada grapples with its largest measles outbreak in decades, British Columbia has opted against requiring the MMR vaccine for school attendance. This decision comes despite over 2,500 measles cases reported this year. While provinces like Ontario and New Brunswick have made the vaccine mandatory for school entry, B.C. plans to use a more reactive approach by responding to outbreaks and promoting vaccinations in areas with lower immunization rates.
Health officials, including retired physician Dr. Lyne Filiatrault, argue that waiting for outbreaks to trigger vaccination efforts is risky. They suggest a more proactive approach with school-based vaccination clinics before the school year resumes. The Kootenay Boundary Health Service Area in B.C. has some of the lowest vaccination rates, with only 62% of school-aged children vaccinated against measles.
To address these gaps, the Health Ministry is encouraging people to get vaccinated and has seen an 11% increase in vaccine uptake this year. As measles cases continue to rise, experts warn that the province’s strategy may not be enough to prevent further spread, especially in vulnerable communities.
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