Vancouver, BC (February 22, 2019) - In the wake of the measles outbreak in Vancouver, B.C.’s community pharmacists are ready and available to provide British Columbians needing booster shots or new vaccinations to adults and children ages 5 years or older.
Community pharmacists, located in nearly every community in the province, can provide the publicly funded Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine to individuals seeking the vaccine.
“Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible health-care providers and have had the authority to provide injections since 2009,” said Geraldine Vance, CEO of the BC Pharmacy Association. “Families and individuals looking to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date can go to their local pharmacist for care.”
The BC Centre for Disease Control recommends that children are given two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose given at 12 months old and the second dose, which includes the varicella vaccine at 4- to 6-years old. If children or adolescents are unimmunized, they it is recommended they get two doses of the measles-containing vaccine.
Adults born after Jan. 1, 1970, should check their immunization records to see they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (given as MMR). It is important, especially for travellers. For adults born before Jan. 1, 1970 are generally assumed to be protected
Adults who are born before Jan. 1, 1970, are assumed to have had measles are protected. However, those adults without a history of measles or a vaccine should be given one dose of the MMR vaccine.
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About the BC Pharmacy Association
The British Columbia Pharmacy Association is a not-for-profit professional association that represents more than 3,200 pharmacists and more than 900 pharmacies throughout British Columbia. Recognized as the voice for community pharmacy, the Association aims to support and advance the professional role and economic viability of its members so they may provide enhanced patient-centred care.
For more information, contact:
Angie Gaddy
Director, Communications
angie.gaddy@bcpharmacy.ca
(604) 269-2863