Calgary parents and doctors push Alberta to expand early measles vaccinations to all infants as cases surge across the province.
Concern Grows as Measles Cases Climb in Alberta
A growing number of Calgary parents and pediatricians are urging the Alberta government to offer early measles vaccinations to all infants provincewide, as measles outbreaks continue to escalate. As of Wednesday afternoon, the province had reported 1,078 confirmed measles cases — a significant jump since the outbreaks began in March.
Shanaya von Scheel, a Calgary mother of a seven-month-old, is one of many concerned parents who feel left out of Alberta’s current vaccination strategy. “It’s hard not to worry constantly,” she said. “I just want to protect my child, and it feels like not enough is being done.”
Regional Restrictions on Vaccine Access
The early measles vaccine dose — given between six and 11 months of age — is currently available only in Alberta’s south, central, and north zones, where community spread is widespread. Calgary and Edmonton infants are excluded unless they plan to travel to affected regions.
The routine immunization schedule in Alberta recommends measles vaccination at 12 and 18 months. The early dose is meant to provide short-term protection in outbreak areas, but does not replace these two routine shots.
Von Scheel, after discussing travel plans with a public health nurse, was eventually able to get her baby vaccinated. But she questions why travel is a requirement. “Why wait for it to spread here?” she asked. “We should be proactive, not reactive.”
Experts Call for Preventative Action
Medical professionals are also voicing concern. Dr. Joan Robinson, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital, believes it’s only a matter of time before major cities like Calgary and Edmonton see higher case numbers. “I think our turn is yet to come,” she warned.
Dr. Sam Wong, head of the pediatrics section at the Alberta Medical Association, emphasized the vulnerability of babies. “Their immune systems are immature. They’re at a higher risk of complications,” he said, noting that measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even fatal neurological conditions.
Both doctors agree the government should expand eligibility to any concerned parents seeking early protection for their infants.
Government Maintains Current Strategy
Despite these calls, Alberta’s current policy remains unchanged. In a written statement, Primary and Preventative Health Services officials said the early dose will continue to be limited to outbreak zones, citing low transmission and high immunization coverage in Calgary and Edmonton.
“To focus efforts where they will have the most impact, Alberta is prioritizing early-dose availability in zones experiencing active outbreaks and broader community spread,” the statement said, aligning with similar policies in Ontario.
Officials added that the situation is under constant review and adjustments will be made based on evolving public health recommendations.
Community Braces as Stampede Approaches
With Calgary’s Stampede around the corner, von Scheel and others are bracing for a possible spike in measles exposure due to increased travel and public gatherings.
Two new cases were reported in Calgary on Wednesday, bringing the city’s total to 22. Edmonton has confirmed nine cases. In contrast, the south zone leads with 705, followed by 237 in the north and 105 in the central region.
“Last year, the risk was close to zero,” Dr. Robinson said. “Now, it increases daily. We need to adapt before it’s too late.”
As Alberta’s measles outbreak evolves, many parents continue to hope the province will reconsider — not just in response to numbers, but in preparation for what may come next.
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