Important Advisory on measles in British Columbia

Important message from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer: Advisory on measles in British Columbia

There has been a significant increase in measles cases across multiple health authorities in British Columbia. The risk of contracting measles and having severe complications is particularly high among unvaccinated populations.

People are considered immune to measles if they:

• Have 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine; or
• Were born before 1970 (before 1957 if they are a healthcare worker); or
• Have lab evidence of immunity 
  • Serology for assessment of immunity is not recommended – if unsure of immunity status it is recommended to get a dose of measles containing vaccine.

Pharmacists / pharmacy staff are urged to ensure they are protected against measles. This helps protect yourself against measles, reduces the risk of transmission to your loved ones, colleagues, and patients/clients, and prevents any potential work exclusions.

Measles is a reportable disease under the Public Health Act. Health professionals are required to report to their Regional Health Authority Communicable Disease (CD) Unit any confirmed cases or suscept cases (i.e. those for whom clinical suspicion for measles is high based on susceptibility, exposure history, and symptoms).

Offering measles vaccine:

• Everyone born in 1970 (1957 if they are a healthcare worker) or later should have 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine.
• People born before 1970 (1957 if they are a healthcare worker) generally do not need measles vaccine as they are presumed to be immune from infection, but can be offered one dose if they are absolutely sure they did not have measles and were not immunized.
• Before offering vaccine, please check patient’s immunization records (e.g., on CareConnect) and do not offer vaccine if they already have 2 doses.
  • Patients can access their own immunization records on Health Gateway. If not there, they may have a paper record of immunization or can contact their healthcare provider that gave vaccines.
• To request vaccine, contact the public health unit in your area. Vaccine will be provided based on the available supply in the regional health authorities.
• Please ensure all vaccines are entered as an immunization and not as a medication, as this will ensure records flow correctly to the Provincial Immunization Registry.

References and further information:

• BC case counts and exposure locations and basic measles guidance
• National measles and rubella weekly monitoring report
• Measles vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide

Regional Health Authority CD Unit Contact Information:

• Fraser Health: 604-507-5471
• Interior Health:
  • Business hours: 1-866-778-7736
  • After business hours: 1-866-457-5648
• Island Health
  • South Island: 1-866-665-6626
  • Central Island: 1-866-770-7798
  • North Island: 1-877-887-8835
• Northern Health:
  • Business hours: 250-645-3794
  • After business hours: 1-833-214-3274
• Vancouver Coastal Health:
  • Business hours: 1-855-675-3900
  • After business hours: 604-527-4893