Dear Parents and Guardians

Measles is spreading—not just in other parts of the world but right here in Alberta. This disease, once rare in Canada thanks to measles vaccines, is now circulating in several areas of our province. It’s a highly contagious illness that spreads quickly, especially in close-knit communities where people gather frequently and where immunization rates are lower.

The reality is measles often hits young children the hardest. Of the 761 confirmed cases of measles in Alberta as of June 5, 576 are in children under the age of 18. We are continuing our ongoing efforts to prevent measles and protect the health and well-being of children in Alberta. I want to thank parents and guardians for doing their part to stay informed and get themselves or their children immunized over the past few months. The measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications from disease. As we approach the summer months and increased travel, I want to reiterate that you can protect yourselves, your loved ones and the people around them by ensuring measles immunizations are up to date.

For those who chose not to its important to understand the risk of illness and transmission of measles in Alberta is now at the highest it’s been in 25 years. As health care providers we want to keep you and your family health and safe, but we cannot do that without your help. While getting your measles immunization is the first and most critical thing you can do, it is also important to:
• Stay home when feeling sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Call Health Link at 811 before visiting any hospital, clinic or healthcare provider.

I am also pleased to share several measles resources:
• Measles Hotline: this dedicated hotline is available for all your questions regarding immunization records, symptoms, or to book an immunization appointment. Call 1-844-944-3434
• Text for vaccine record: to check the immunization record for you or your child, text “vaccine record” to 88111. This information is also available through the hotline.
• Fact sheets: The measles toolkit is available online which includes a Measles 101 and a fact sheet for parents that you may find useful.

More information and additional fact sheets are all available on the measles website: https://www.alberta.ca/measles.

Rest assured that there are protocols in place if there is a measles case reported at your school. Direction will be provided by public health staff under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health on next steps to help reduce the risk of further spread within the school and broader community.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions related to this letter or measles in general, please call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434.

Sincerely,
Dr. Sunil Sookram
Interim Chief Medical Officer of Health