English
British Columbia health authorities are calling on parents and caregivers to verify and update their children’s vaccination records before the new school year begins next month. The appeal comes amid growing concern about rising measles cases across North America and ongoing misinformation about vaccine safety.
Measles Cases Surge Across North America
Health Minister Ravi Kahlon pointed to a dramatic increase in measles infections as a key reason for the push. In 2023, the United States recorded 59 measles cases. This year, that number has already surpassed 2,500.
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“That is not only terrible for the U.S., but it’s a risk we need to be prepared for here,” Kahlon said. He attributed the surge largely to declining childhood vaccination rates driven by the spread of false information online.
Kahlon did not hold back in identifying the source of the problem. “Too many bad actors use social media to get clicks from spreading lies that prey on the good intentions of parents and guardians,” he said. He added that misinformation circulating at the federal level in the United States has contributed directly to the resurgence of preventable diseases. “Sadly, children bear the consequences,” he said.
BC Officials Defend Vaccine Safety and Science
Kahlon called on elected officials across all political parties to take a clear public stand in support of vaccines. “To combat misinformation, elected officials of all political backgrounds have a responsibility to speak clearly about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” he said.
He emphasized that British Columbia continues to follow the guidance of its public health experts. “We follow the evidence and science that tells us that vaccines are safe and help keep children healthy at multiple stages of their development,” Kahlon said.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry echoed that message, reassuring families that it is not too late to act. She encouraged parents to use the back-to-school period as a prompt to check their children’s immunization status.
What Vaccines Children Need and Where to Get Them
“During this busy and exciting time of figuring out schedules and school supplies, now is the time to ensure your child is protected against illnesses, including measles, mumps and rubella, polio, pertussis, meningitis and chickenpox,” Dr. Henry said in a statement.
She noted that measles transmission is still occurring in parts of British Columbia and across Canada, making vaccination especially urgent this season. Checking immunization records and booking an appointment to fill any gaps is, she said, “fast and easy.”
Dr. Henry also outlined the vaccines that older students receive through school-based programs. The human papillomavirus vaccine is routinely offered to all Grade 6 students. Grade 9 students receive vaccines covering tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and meningitis.
Parents can book vaccination appointments at public health clinics, community health centres, doctor’s or nurse practitioner’s offices, and some pharmacies. BC health officials stressed that no child should miss out on protection simply due to uncertainty about where to go or which vaccines are still needed.
