British Columbia’s provincial health officer is urging parents and guardians to check their children’s immunization records before the new school year begins.
Parents are encouraged to make sure their children are protected against illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, meningitis and chickenpox.
Health officials say checking records and booking any needed vaccinations is quick and easy. Vaccines are available through public health clinics, doctors, nurse practitioners and some pharmacies.
The reminder is especially important as measles continues to spread in parts of B.C. and across Canada.
Older students can also receive vaccines through school programs. The HPV vaccine is routinely offered to Grade 6 students, while vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and meningitis are offered in Grade 9.
Health Minister Ravi Kahlon also urged families to rely on medical experts and trusted sources for vaccine information, warning that misinformation online can put children at risk.
Parents whose children have missed routine vaccines are encouraged to contact a health-care provider or public health unit. It is not too late to catch up on immunizations.
