CALGARY- As Albertans race to ensure they’re immunized against measles, there is widespread confusion about who needs to get the shot.
Those born after 1970 should be vaccinated, but not everyone has had two doses—and trying to determine who’s at risk is proving challenging.
People born in the Calgary area who haven’t kept track of their health records are being advised to call Health Link. However, when Calgary’s Mike Reist called the number on Wednesday morning, he was directed to the Calgary Records Centre which told him processing time is 10 to 12 days.
With a seven-month-old baby at home, Reist says that’s too long to wait.
“I’m hoping to find out, the sooner the better,” he says. “We’ve got some friends that could be easily compromised as they’re not able to produce antibodies from the vaccine themselves, so we’re just trying to make sure we’re OK not to contaminate them.”
His wife Lori adds they’re simply trying to do protect those around them.
“I don’t think it’s any cause for panic, but we just want to be well informed and do what’s best for the kids.”
There was also confusion about whether or not babies could get the vaccine this week. AHS initially said they only wanted adults to attend drop-in clinics, but that has since changed.
There is no risk associated with getting an additional dose of the MMR vaccine.
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