Measles vaccinations uptake in northeast triples amid outbreak, says Northern Health

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rates are up more than three times this month compared to the same period in 2024.

In a statement to Energeticcity.ca, Northern Health explained efforts to vaccinate residents had been ongoing since the first lab-confirmed measles case was detected in the community on June 13th.

Between June 13th and July 23rd, Northern Health has immunized 703 people against measles in the Northeast Health Service Delivery Area, which covers from Prince George to Fort Nelson. 

It said this more than three times the number as in the same time period in 2024. 

As of the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)’s July 21st measles case count update, Northern Health has the majority – 83 out of 122 – of the confirmed cases so far around the province in 2025. 

Northern Health stated it is also offering the vaccine free of charge to certain groups of individuals: 

• Infants between the ages of six and 11 months old who will be travelling to countries where there is measles or who are known to have been in contact with someone with measles.
• Women of “child-bearing age” who are not currently immunized.
• Older children and older adults who have not been immunized or do not have evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella.

During a July 10th press conference, Minister of Health Josie Osborne, deputy provincial health officer Dr. Martin Lavoie and doctors from Northern Health and the BCCDC explained the only effective way to protect against measles – which can be a very serious illness – is vaccination. 

Dr. Lavoie stated the province was aware of a “significant level of under-detection,” because “not everybody shows up and asks for medical services.”

To book an appointment to get vaccinated, Northern Health is encouraging individuals to connect with their local health unit. 

As of July 24th, there have been seven measles exposure locations reported in Fort St. John, with four occurring in July:

• The Fort St. John Hospital emergency department between 3:35 p.m. and 6:05 p.m. on July 13th. 
• The Fort St. John Hospital emergency department between 3:30 p.m. on July 4th and 2 a.m. on July 5th.
• The Fort St. John Hospital emergency department between 6:35 p.m. on July 1st and 12:03 a.m. on July 2nd. 
• The Fort St. John Hospital emergency department between 4:35 a.m. on July 1st and 6:05 a.m. on July 2nd.

Symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose and red, inflamed eyes that are sensitive to light and a rash which typically appears on the face and neck before spreading to the chest, arms and legs.

Residents who experience similar symptoms to those listed are encouraged to stay at home and connect with their care provider to get tested.