Have you heard of measles? This highly contagious viral disease is making a comeback in public health concerns. While several regions around the world are reporting an increase in cases, our region remains untouched so far. However, experts are sounding the alarm about the importance of vaccination to maintain this situation.
By Liliana Romero, director of public health of the CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches
The reasons for this resurgence are multiple. Among them is the decline in vaccination rates in certain regions around the world, particularly during the pandemic. Additionally, disease-like symptoms and international travel facilitate the rapid spread of the disease, making maintaining adequate vaccination coverage even more crucial.
The importance of vaccination
Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination since it remains the best protection to prevent measles. Vaccines, such as the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, are highly effective and safe, providing long-term protection against disease. In addition to protecting those who are vaccinated individually, mass vaccination helps create herd immunity, thereby reducing the risk of disease spread within the community.
This is why health authorities are calling for constant vigilance to be maintained and to encourage the vaccination of all people unprotected against measles, particularly children.
The measles vaccination rate is 92.3% among primary school students and 93.9% in secondary schools because since 2022, we have been on the lookout for this disease. So, we have been vaccinating continuously for almost two years in schools. We therefore have just over 1,100 young people left to vaccinate to reach the target rate of 95%. It is still possible to make an appointment to have your child vaccinated at Clic Santé or by calling 1 855 480-8094.
Finally, the resurgence of measles reminds us that diseases preventable by vaccination are never far away. To protect our collective health and prevent future epidemics, it is essential to promote vaccination and share reliable health information. By remaining proactive and acting together, we can keep measles at bay and prevent a possible outbreak in the region.
