Kids in ICU now, province pleads for more vaccinations

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 6, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

With 265 cases of measles confirmed within the province to date – 55 on Monday alone – and three children in ICU, Alberta’s government is asking citizens to do their part to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe by getting immunized.

The Health Ministry would not provide ages of the kids in ICU but Dr. Sunil Sookram, interim Chief Medical Officer of Health, says there have been no deaths at this stage.

To combat this, the province is adding more immunization appointments every day across the central and south zones, as well as a new early dose of measles-containing vaccines, now available for infants six to 11 months of age. This is on top of the routine immunization schedule, which is two doses of measles-containing vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age.

“Getting immunized against measles is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. “By expanding access to vaccines and reaching more Albertans with this advertising campaign, we hope more Albertans will protect themselves.”

LaGrange says close to 90 per cent of confirmed cases involve the unvaccinated.

The province has also created a new measles-specific hotline to answer questions. Albertans seeking information about measles can fast track their call through HealthLink by calling 1-844-944-3434.

The measles hotline will speed up access to a professional who can access immunization records or general information, give advice for those experiencing measles symptoms and with booking measles immunization appointments or finding a public health clinic.

“We are looking at one of the largest outbreaks in nearly 40 years. When fewer people are protected, measles spreads and the risks go up. Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from measles,” said Dr. Sunil Sookram, interim Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Get immunized against measles now and help prevent the spread. Help protect your communities.”

Information on both case and immunization rates can be found on the alberta.ca website. Next week, the province aims to launch a greater informational campaign, helping to distribute information on measles and immunization in 14 languages.

A toolkit is also being developed to share with daycare providers to further ensure parents have the information they need to protect their children.

“Primary Care Alberta encourages all Albertans to check their vaccination records, and those of their children, to ensure that they are protected from the highly contagious measles virus,” said Kim Simmonds, CEO of Primary Care Alberta. “Our dedicated team is ready to help you confirm your vaccination status, or to assist you and your family if you suspect that you’ve been exposed to measles.”

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