Measles vaccine clinics to be held at 4 Halifax-area schools this weekend

Nova Scotia Public Health is holding measles vaccine clinics at a number of schools in the Halifax area starting this weekend in response to a rise in cases in other parts of Canada.

A news release from Nova Scotia Health on Friday said there have been no cases of measles identified in the province, but it says the disease spreads quickly and can cause serious complications.

Jennifer Turcot, a Public Health officer for the central zone, said the clinics are open to the public and will be held in different areas of the municipality over the next several weeks.  

She said schools were chosen because they can accommodate a large number of people on weekends.

Turcot said the clinics will be held for four weeks. The program will be reassessed at that time.

Clinics will be available at four schools this weekend. No appointments are needed:

• Kingswood Elementary 34 Vrege Court, Hammonds Plains Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Oceanview Elementary 51 Oceanview School Rd., Eastern Passage Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Cole Harbour District High School 2 Chameau Crescent, Dartmouth Sunday, April 6 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• George P. Vanier Junior High 1410 Fall River Rd., Fall River Sunday, April 6 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Turcot said everyone who has not already been vaccinated should get the vaccine. But she said it is especially important for people who are at higher risk of developing severe complications from the disease.

Those include people with weakened immune systems, children under the age of five, and those with someone pregnant in their family.

Check vaccination status

Vaccination is the best way to be protected from measles, she said, and everyone should check their vaccination status to determine if they should get the vaccine.

"The measles vaccine has been around for a long time. It is highly effective and it is definitely a safe vaccine," Turcot said. 

"A single dose of measles vaccine is estimated to provide 85 to 95 per cent protection, but with a second dose, it increases to almost 100 per cent. "

Turcot said once a healthy person has received a course of  two measles vaccines they are considered vaccinated for life, though people with high-risk medical conditions may require a different vaccine schedule. 

According to the release, infants from six months to 11 months may be given one dose of MMR vaccine if they will be travelling. They will still need two routine doses after their first birthday.

Adults born between 1970 and 1995 only received one dose as children and another dose is recommended, the release said.

It said adults are eligible for two doses to catch up if childhood vaccines are missed.

Adults born before 1969 are considered immune but can get a single dose if travelling, the release said.