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London Drugs is hosting two free measles vaccination clinics this week in response to the recent measles outbreak in Vancouver.
The retailer will host the first clinic Tuesday, March 12 from 10:30 am until 6:30 pm, and a second one on Saturday, March 16 from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm. They will give new vaccinations as well as booster shots to adults and children over five.
While drop-ins are welcome, they recommend that visitors call in advance in order to avoid waiting. In addition, a BC Services Card, formerly known as a CareCard, is needed in order to receive the shot. Also, it is recommended that visitors wear a short sleeve top so that a pharmacist may easily administer the shot.
Visitors may also book other vaccines during their visit, and they may use the clinic as an opportunity to learn more about vaccinations in general. Further, it is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine.
Measles at first presents with flu-like symptoms, coughing, a runny nose and red eyes, but then a fever develops, followed by the distinctive rash. Complications from the virus include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), seizures, deafness, brain damage and death.
Vancouver Coastal Health notes that two doses of measles vaccine are 99 per cent effective at preventing measles, and most cases now occur in those born after 1970 who have had no doses or only one dose of the vaccine.
Free Measles Vaccination Clinics
When: Tuesday, March 12 from 10:30 am until 6:30 pm & Saturday, March 16 from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm
Where: London Drugs - 525 W Broadway, Vancouver
