The highly successful measles elimination campaign conducted on Prince Edward Island this year saw the immunization of 24,514 Island children over the age of four-and-a-half years.
"I must thank all those in Public Health Nursing, the school staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make this program such a success," says Health and Social Services Minister Walter McEwen.
"Additionally, I think appropriate credit should be given to parents of school-age children. Of the total population in Grades-1 to -12, 92 per cent participated in the measles elimination plan. And, of course, the children themselves deserve thanks for doing their part."
In order to eliminate measles, many jurisdictions in Canada began to administer two doses of measles vaccine to children this year. Similar programs elsewhere in North America have significantly reduced cases of measles by adopting this approach.
Measles - or "red measles" - is a contagious disease that may result in pneumonia, ear infections, brain damage or even death.
Over the past 30 years, the vaccine has greatly reduced the number cases of measles in Canada and Prince Edward Island. Prior to the introduction of this year's measles elimination plan, children in Prince Edward Island received only one dose of vaccine at 15 months of age. However, children were still getting measles because it was found that two doses of the vaccine are required in order to provide protection from the disease.
The cost of the vaccine to the Health and Community Services System is $1 per dose. It is estimated that this investment saves twice the amount in health care and other services for those who would otherwise get measles.
For more information contact: Chief Health Officer, Dr. Lamont Sweet, (902) 368-4996