Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, has issued the following statement to encourage parents and guardians to check their children’s immunization records as part of back-to-school preparations:

“With children starting kindergarten and heading back to school soon, I encourage you to check that your children are up to date on routine immunizations. During this busy and exciting time of figuring out schedules and school supplies, now is the time to ensure your child is protected against illnesses, including measles, mumps and rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis and chickenpox.

“It’s fast and easy to check your child’s immunization records and book an appointment to fill in the gaps on any vaccinations, including the measles vaccine. That’s particularly important this season as we are still seeing measles transmission in parts of the province and across the country.

“You can book an appointment at a public health clinic or at doctors’ or nurse-practitioners’ offices. If your child is over four years of age, you can also book an appointment to get them vaccinated at some pharmacies.

“If your child is older and you’re wondering which vaccines they might receive in school clinics, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is routinely offered to all students in Grade 6, and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and meningitis vaccines in Grade 9. These vaccines are available at public health units, community health centres, some doctors’ and nurse-practitioners’ offices and some pharmacies.”

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Health, said:

“Vaccines are an important part of your child’s health and development. By ensuring your children are vaccinated, you help protect them against preventable and dangerous illnesses. And staying up to date on your child’s vaccines allows them to be kids, so they don’t miss out on their learning or social time with their friends because they’re sick.

“Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation about vaccines. Too many bad actors use social media to get clicks from spreading lies that prey on the good intentions of parents and guardians. In the United States, the administration is spreading misinformation that helps the spread of deadly viruses like measles. Due to these falsehoods, childhood vaccinations are decreasing and rates of measles are increasing. Sadly, children bear the consequences.

“The U.S. had 59 measles cases in 2023. This year, they have already had more than 2,500 cases. That is not only terrible for the U.S., but it’s a risk we need to be prepared for here.

“To combat misinformation, elected officials of all political backgrounds have a responsibility to speak clearly about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to support the health and well-being of B.C.’s children. Here in B.C., we’re following the guidance of our public health officials. We follow the evidence and science that tells us that vaccines are safe and help keep children healthy at multiple stages of their development.

“Even if your child is behind in their routine immunizations, it’s never too late. I encourage parents and guardians to visit HealthLinkBC for more information about vaccines and immunization schedules, or ask a primary care provider, public health unit or community health nurse for a copy of your child’s records.”

Learn More:

• To learn more about immunization schedules, visit: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/immunizations/schedules/children
• To update your immunization records, visit the Provincial Immunization Registry: https://www.immunizationrecord.gov.bc.ca/
• Unsure which vaccines your child is due for? Check immunization records for children age 11 and younger through Health Gateway, visit: https://www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca/
• For more information about immunization locations, visit: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/immunizations/schedules/where-get-immunized