Huron Perth Public Health is urging families to prioritize measles vaccinations following a confirmed measles-related death of a child in Ontario. Karen Bergin-Payette, Immunizations Manager, expressed deep condolences and stressed the urgency of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent further tragedies.
There has been a global and national uptick in measles cases, which Bergin-Payette attributes to both vaccine hesitancy and reduced immunization efforts during the pandemic.
Bergin-Payette urged the community to check their immunization records, especially before traveling, as international travel has contributed to the spread of measles, and it’s arrival and proliferation in Canada.
Huron Perth Public Health has been preparing for potential measles outbreaks with emergency response plans, including pop-up clinics and targeted case management – and while the disease hasn’t made it’s way to our own backyard yet, it’s not outside of the realm of possibility.
There’s no cure for measles. Immunization is the only preventive measure to protect you and your loved ones – so check your records today to make sure that you’re up to date and protected.
For further information or to check immunization records, visit their website or contact their offices.
Written by: B. Shakyaver