04/13/2025
π¨ URGENT: Protect Your Family From the Measles Outbreak
Measles cases are rising in Alberta with 58 confirmed cases as of April 11, 2025.
This extremely contagious viral disease spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You can get measles just by passing through a room where an infected person was up to 2 hours before!
π What is measles and how does it present?
Measles begins with:
β’ High fever
β’ Cough
β’ Runny nose
β’ Red, watery eyes
β’ A distinctive blotchy red rash appears 3-7 days after initial symptoms, typically starting behind the ears and on the face before spreading downward
β οΈ Most concerning complications:
β’ 1 in 10 patients develop ear or lung infections
β’ 1 in 1,000 suffer encephalitis (brain swelling) which can cause permanent damage
β’ 1-3 in 1,000 cases are fatal
β’ Particularly dangerous for children under 5, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems
π PROTECTION IS SIMPLE: Just 2 doses of the measles vaccine provides lifelong immunity for most people!
β¨ The measles vaccine is:
β’ Highly effective (almost 100% protection with just two doses)
β’ Safe with minimal side effects
β’ FREE for eligible Albertans
π Getting fully protected is simple:
β’ For children: Two doses at 12 and 18 months of age
β’ For adults born in 1970 or later who missed doses: Two shots at least 4 weeks apart
β’ That's it! No regular boosters needed for lifelong protection
π― WHO NEEDS MEASLES IMMUNIZATION RIGHT NOW:
β
Children & Teens:
β’ All children 12 months to 17 years need TWO doses if not done already
β’ Infants 6-11 months in outbreak areas (as of April 11; in Areas 1 & 8 of North Zone, Central& South Zones) need ONE dose now
β
Adults by Birth Year:
β’ Born 1970 or LATER: Need TWO doses if not already received
β’ Born BEFORE 1970: Generally considered immune as measles used to be highly circulating back then, basically most people got the infection at certain point. BUT you should get:
β’ ONE dose if you're a post-secondary student in teaching institute.
β’ ONE dose if you live in outbreak areas (as of April 11; in Areas 1 & 8 of North Zone, Central& South Zones) need ONE dose now
π Did you know?
Current Alberta outbreak data shows:
β’ Zero of the cases were fully immunized by 2 doses
β’ 13% required hospitalization
β οΈ Remember: A person with measles can spread the disease from 4 days BEFORE the rash appears until 4 days after it appears.
π₯ If you think you or your child has been exposed to measles, call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare provider, clinic, or hospital. The registered nurse who answers your call will guide you on the next steps.
π Measles vaccine is provided free of charge for eligible populations. To see if you are eligible to get the vaccine, you can call the Health Link at 811.
π To book an appointment at Grace Medical Clinic:
β’ Phone: 403-666-0909
β’ Online: gracemedicalclinics.ca
β’ Email: reception@gracemedicalclinics.ca
π Location: 2170-3950 Sage Hill Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3R 2A4
