Measles Update
MEASLES RESOURCES:
If you have been exposed:
- People who are not immune to measles may be asked to stay home and isolate if they have been exposed to measles.
- People are considered immune to measles if they:
- Have 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine
- Have laboratory evidence of immunity
- Were born before 1970 (1957 for healthcare workers)
- Contacts of a measles case who are not immune may be offered vaccine or immune globulin (a blood product containing measles antibodies) to prevent infection.
- Public health will contact you if you are a known contact and will provide further instructions.
- People who are most at risk of infection are those who are completely unvaccinated against the disease, including children under one year of age. From the BCCDC Website: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/measles#exposed
If you have further questions, please go to the respective resource:
- Link to the BCCDC Website (for information and exposure notifications): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/measles
- Tsawout Health – for general questions about Measles 250.652.1149
- Saanich Peninsula Public Health – for immunizations under 19 years of age 250.544.2400
- Victoria Health Unit – for communicable disease exposures 250.388.2225
- Please see your local pharmacy for adult immunizations
Please remember if you have been immunized, you are doing your part to protect yourself and the community. Measles is not a new virus, but we must continue to stay up to date with our immunizations to protect those who do not have a strong immune system (due to age, medication, etc.). Together, we can work towards a healthy and strong SȾÁUTW̱ community.
HÍSW̱KE SIÁM,
Alyssa Greenway, CHN
