Measles Vaccination Rates in Northeast B.C. Fall Short of Herd Immunity as Schools Reopen

Health authorities in northeast B.C. are raising the alarm that measles vaccination coverage is still too low to prevent further outbreaks, even after a summer push to get more children immunized.

Dr. Jong Kim, Northern Health’s chief medical health officer, said the northeast remains the hardest-hit region in the province, with vaccination rates sitting at just 60–70% among two- and seven-year-olds — well below the 90% benchmark required to halt measles transmission. “With schools reopening, the risk of exposure and spread is higher than before,” Kim warned.

The current outbreak, B.C.’s worst since 2014, began before summer break at an elementary school in Wonowon, near Fort St. John. It quickly spread through community settings including shops, the emergency room, and a prenatal clinic. Since then, at least 187 confirmed and probable cases have been reported in northern B.C., with some patients requiring hospitalization, including transfers to the Lower Mainland for advanced care.

Northern Health saw a rise in vaccinations during June and July, but officials say coverage remains insufficient. Additional community and school-based clinics will continue through the fall to reach families who missed doses or have not yet vaccinated their children.

B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne, who toured hospitals in the region last week, urged parents to ensure their children are protected. While she ruled out mandating proof of vaccination for school attendance, Osborne said outreach efforts are underway to engage hesitant families. “Measles is a very serious disease that can result in severe complications, including death,” she said. “We want children to attend school safely and happily.”

Officials say the coming weeks will be crucial: if vaccination rates rise, the outbreak may subside; if not, more cases are likely. As Dr. Kim emphasized, “This situation underlines the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and the huge difference they make for individuals, families, and entire communities.”