Back to school is just around the corner and Interior Health is reminding parents to protect their children and themselves from measles.
"As children return to school, they are spending more time indoors and interacting closely with others, which increases the risk of exposure to measles and other infectious diseases if a case arises," said medical health officer Dr. Sanaz Vaseghi. "Two doses of measles vaccine are almost 100 per cent effective in preventing this serious illness, and protection lasts a lifetime."
The illness is highly contagious even before visible symptoms. The virus can spread through the air and can stay suspended in a room for several hours.
Measles vaccines are available at pharmacies for children over the age of four or by appointment through local clinics. It is asked that people inform the clinic of the possibility of measles ahead of arrival so that precautions can be taken to limit potential spread.
Learn more about measles or find a clinic offering the vaccine by visiting .
