As students prepare to return to classrooms, B.C.’s deputy provincial health officer is urging families to make routine vaccinations part of their back-to-school checklist.
With children gathering in schools and daycares, the risk of spreading infectious diseases increases—especially this year, with a significant rise in measles cases both in the province and across Canada.
The province offers free vaccines for children under 18, covering more than a dozen illnesses, including measles, mumps, polio, chickenpox, pertussis (whooping cough), and COVID-19.
Vaccinations are available at public health units, community health centres, some doctor and nurse practitioner offices, and select pharmacies for children over four years old.
School-based vaccine clinics also provide the HPV vaccine in Grade 6 and vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and meningitis in Grade 9.
Parents can check recommended immunizations and book appointments through HealthLink BC. Immunization records can be viewed or updated through the Health Gateway, especially for children who were vaccinated outside of B.C.
Health officials say staying current on vaccines is the best protection against preventable diseases that can cause serious health issues.
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