In light of families travelling over spring break, Vancouver Coastal Health is reminding students to ensure they’re up to date on their vaccinations—in particular, measles and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
“We would like to remind you to check your family’s vaccination records and update your vaccinations as needed,” VCH medical health officer and school medical officer Dr. Moleihi Khaketla wrote to parents. "Please get your measles immunizations up to date, particularly if you are planning on travelling for spring break.”
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, spread primarily through coughing, sneezing, or just breathing. Pertussis, while less contagious, is easily transmissible in the same way.
The first shot of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old, with the second dose scheduled between the ages of four and six. The two doses are needed for everyone born in 1970 and later.
While the shots are usually offered during kindergarten entry, Khaketla noted some school-age children may have missed a dose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also reminded parents to get caught up on their whooping cough immunizations.
“Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the lungs that is making a return,” she wrote. “While people of any age can get ill, young children who have not been immunized get sicker than older children and adults.”
Children are offered vaccines for pertussis at two, four, six and 18 months; four to six years old; and in Grade 9. The B.C. CDC also recommends pertussis immunization during pregnancy to help protect newborns.
However, the entirety of B.C., along with the North Shore / Coast Garibaldi (NSCG) health service delivery area in which Whistler, Pemberton and Lil’wat Nation sit, is well below the 95 per cent vaccination rate recommended to achieve herd immunity, as of 2023—the latest year for which figures are available.
Across the province, the percentage of seven-year-olds who are on schedule with their shots has been on a mostly uninterrupted decline for more than a decade, falling to a low of 72 per cent in 2023. NSCG has seen higher rates of up-to-date residents, since 2018, but is still about 15 per cent shy of the level required for herd immunity.
While pertussis is less contagious than measles, studies recommend a 92 to 94 per cent vaccination coverage for herd immunity. The Canadian government has a goal of 95 per cent coverage for this year. As is the case with the measles, the NSCG region sits higher than the provincial average, but is still below herd immunity levels and the government's goal.
Khaketla noted those residents should also be conscious of the risk profiles associated with their destinations.
“Infants travelling to high-risk areas can get a dose starting at six months,” she wrote. “Those born before 1970 are considered protected but you may receive one dose if you do not recall a history of measles infection and are travelling to an area with active transmission.”
To check your child’s immunization records, visit B.C. Health Gateway. Immunization records from outside the province can also be uploaded and submitted online at Immunization Record B.C. Adults can also be immunized by their family doctor or pharmacist.
