B.C. Health Officials Urge Vaccinations as Measles Cases Rise

With a surge in measles cases reported in British Columbia, health officials are urging families to ensure their children are up to date with vaccinations ahead of the new school year. In a press release dated August 20, 2025, the province’s deputy provincial health officer, Dr. Martin Lavoie, emphasized the importance of routine immunizations to protect children against a variety of illnesses.

According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control‘s weekly measles update released on August 21, 2025, there have been 197 confirmed cases of measles in the province this year. The majority of these cases, totaling 143, have been reported in the Northern Health region. This uptick in cases highlights the necessity for parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s immunization schedules.

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for free, publicly funded vaccines in British Columbia. These vaccines provide protection against numerous diseases, including polio, COVID-19, mumps, and chickenpox. Dr. Lavoie reminded families that schools routinely offer vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as immunizations for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and meningitis, depending on the student’s grade level.

Accessing Vaccination Services

Parents can book vaccination appointments at various locations, including local health units, doctor or nurse-practitioner offices, and some community health centres throughout British Columbia. Additionally, families with children aged four and older can access vaccinations at select pharmacies, according to the press release.

For more information regarding immunization schedules, parents can visit HealthLink BC or check their children’s immunization records through the Health Gateway. Ensuring that children are vaccinated is a crucial step in safeguarding their health as they prepare to return to school amidst rising public health concerns.

As the school year approaches, the call to action from health officials serves as a reminder of the vital role vaccinations play in protecting not only individual health but also public health at large.