Alberta Doctors Call for Vaccine Boost Amid Declining Rates, Government Differs on Approach

Calls for Expanded Vaccine Access

Medical experts at Alberta Children’s Hospital are sounding the alarm, urging expanded access to childhood vaccines to combat falling immunization rates. Pediatricians have called for routine immunizations to be available within hospitals, especially for children already admitted for other reasons, citing missed opportunities under current systems.

Differing Strategies Amid Resurgence

However, the provincial government has rejected the idea of offering routine immunizations in children’s hospitals, citing significant pressure on these facilities. Instead, the province states it is boosting access through public health clinics, including walk-in and extended-hour options, and encourages families to keep immunizations up to date.

This debate unfolds as Alberta faces concerning declines in immunization rates. Coverage for crucial measles vaccines for two-year-olds sits at just 68.1% in 2024, significantly below the 95% target needed for community protection. Canada recently lost its measles elimination status, partly due to Alberta's surge, which is experiencing its worst measles wave in nearly half a century. Immunization rates for diseases like pertussis, diphtheria, and polio also show troubling drops, contributing to outbreaks across all health zones. As vaccine-preventable diseases make a comeback, the differing strategies for enhancing access remain a critical point of discussion for child health.