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Important message from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer: Advisory on measles in BC

Home 5 News 5 Important message from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer: Advisory on measles in BC

July 4, 2025

This message is being sent to all registrants of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) on behalf of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Ministry of Health.

  • There has been a significant increase in measles cases across multiple health authorities in British Columbia. The risk of contracting measles and having severe complications is particularly high among unvaccinated populations.
  • The best protection against measles is by having two doses of measles-containing vaccine – should your patients/clients have questions about measles vaccine, they can visit the BCCDC website or connect with local public health.
  • People are considered immune to measles if they:
    • Have 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine; or
    • Were born before 1970 (before 1957 if they are a healthcare worker); or
    • Have lab evidence of immunity
      • Note: Serology for routine assessment of immunity is not recommended – if unsure of immunity status please receive a dose of measles-containing vaccine
  • Healthcare workers are urged to ensure they are protected against measles – this helps protect yourself against measles, reduces the risk of transmission to your loved ones, colleagues, and patients/clients, and prevents any potential work exclusions.
  • Measles is a reportable disease under the Public Health Act. Health professionals are required to report to their Regional Health Authority Communicable Disease (CD) Unit any confirmed cases or suspect cases (i.e. those for whom clinical suspicion for measles is high based on susceptibility, exposure history and symptoms.)
  • If there is a case of measles in your place of work, public health will follow-up and could:
    • Ask for a list of staff and/or patients/clients to assist with contact tracing efforts. This is important as it helps limit the transmission of measles and enables identification of higher-risk individuals who might be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis.
    • Exclude staff who were exposed that are not immune to measles.

References and further information

Regional health authority communicable disease unit contact information

Fraser Health

  • 604-507-5471

Interior Health

  • Business hours: 1-866-778-7736
  • After business hours: 1-866-457-5648

Island Health

  • South Island: 1-866-665-6626
  • Central Island: 1-866-770-7798
  • North Island: 1-877-887-8835

Northern Health

  • Business hours: 250-645-3794
  • After business hours: 1-833-214-3274

Vancouver Coastal Health

  • Business hours: 1-855-675-3900
  • After business hours: 604-527-4893

Please direct any questions to the relevant health authority, BC Centre for Disease Control, or local public health.

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