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Sask. Ministry of Health: Less than one per cent intentionally refuses vaccination

There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Saskatchewan. However, with the breakout of the now-rare disease in B.C. and in the U.S.

There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Saskatchewan. However, with the breakout of the now-rare disease in B.C. and in the U.S. the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health encourages people in the province to make sure that their vaccination is up to date.

The last time cases of measles were reported in Saskatchewan came in 2014. Then, 16 people were diagnosed with measles. Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab pointed out that they were able to keep infectious illness under control due to a high rate of vaccination in the province.

“Measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses are 99 per cent effective. And what we’ve seen is that for the most part severe measles infections only happen in unvaccinated children,” said Shahab.

Even one shot of vaccine is 95 per cent effective. Yet two doses are the norm and are recommended to be done on time.

“For measles that means getting your first dose of MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella vaccine) at 12 months, the second dose at 18 months. So for parents who have children under the age of two making sure that they are up to date with the vaccine,” Shahab said.

However, if for some reason the person didn’t receive the vaccination on time, it’s always possible to get it later.

“Anyone born after 1970 should have two doses of the measles vaccine. So it doesn’t matter if your child is pre-school, or is in school, or if you are a young adult who for some reason didn’t get vaccinated, make that call to the public health,” Shahab said.

The vaccination doesn’t guarantee that one won’t get sick, yet if vaccinated the illness will be milder. 

“We hardly ever see full-grown measles in a vaccinated child,” said Shahab. 

Shahab also pointed out that the decision not to take the MMRV shot affects not only those who get vaccinated but also people in their closest circle.

“When we choose to get a child vaccinated we obviously protect our children but we also protect others around them. Especially those children who may be having chemotherapy or other treatments and because of their current condition may not get vaccinated at that time,” said Shahab.

He also reminded that vaccines are safe and have saved more lives in Canada in the last 60 years than any other medical intervention.

International travels may also bring more risk if the proper measures are not taken. In that manner, if travelling outside of Canada and traditional Canadian sun destinations such as the Caribbean with a little child, it may be a good idea to contact the local health authority.

“If you are travelling internationally to the parts of Europe, Africa, South America, Asia do check online … and if those countries are mentioned do talk to public health, because if you have an infant – six months to 11 months – travelling to selective countries … you can ask if your child qualifies for an additional dose of MMR,” Shahab said.

Less than one per cent cannot be vaccinated due to previous reactions or a current condition. And despite a robust public discussion on the pros and cons of vaccinations, it turns out most people still choose to vaccinate.

“Less than one per cent of people actually refuse immunization due to personal believes. About five to 10 per cent have questions about immunization,” said Shahab.

Those who have questions are advised to address them to public health specialists. In most cases, after all questions are answered, people choose to take a shot.

“Go to credible websites, increase your understanding and talk to a professional about your questions. We have seen that when parents have that discussion with the public health or medical health officer, nine times out of 10 they have decided to get vaccinated,” said Shahab.

Sometimes negative examples also motivate people to take action. Thus, more people decided to get vaccinated after the 2014 measles breakout.

General vaccination numbers in Saskatchewan are quite high. The vaccination rate for children starting school is around 89-90 per cent. It gets to about 92 per cent at Grade 1. And by the time the children finish school, it’s around 95 per cent.

The most recent available statistics from 2016 demonstrates that when it comes to measles vaccination southeast Sask. was similar to the rest of the province’s immunization rates.