A measles outbreak has been declared by Alberta Health Services in three areas of the province after a number of cases were reported in recent weeks.

Health officials say they have confirmed several cases in the Calgary, Central and Edmonton zones.

The declaration does not apply to the North or South Zones of AHS.

AHS has made the following changes to the routine childhood immunization schedule for those areas affected for the duration of this outbreak.

Infants six months of age to less than 12 months of age who are living in or travelling to the Calgary, Central or Edmonton Zones of AHS, or travelling to any out-of-province destinations in which measles outbreaks are ongoing, are eligible for an early additional dose of measles vaccine. Infants who receive this additional early dose of vaccine will still be required to receive the two routinely recommended doses of measles vaccine, administered at 12 months of age and between four and six years of age. This additional early dose will provide short-term added protection to infants six months to less than 12 months of age, who are otherwise vulnerable during this time of increased risk of exposure to disease.

Children age four and older, who are attending daycares/dayhomes and schools within the Calgary, Central or Edmonton Zones of AHS and have not yet received their second dose of measles vaccine, are advised to receive it as soon as possible. In non-outbreak circumstances, the routine childhood immunization schedule suggests the second dose be received anytime between four and six years of age. During an outbreak, ensuring children attending daycares/dayhomes and schools have received this second dose as soon as possible will reduce the likelihood of these children being excluded from these locations following exposure to disease.

The AHS says children who have already received both doses of measles vaccine, as per the routine immunization schedule, do not require any additional doses of vaccine.

The measles vaccine in free of charge across Alberta.

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