Measles vaccination clinics opening as cases rise within Grand Erie Public Health area

Grand Erie Public Health is offering measles vaccination clinics as cases of the illness continue to rise within their coverage area.

The first clinic will be held at the Burford Agriculture Hall on Feb. 17 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

The second clinic is scheduled for Feb. 20 at the Simcoe office of Grand Erie Public Health, located at 185 Robinson Street, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.

A third clinic is set for the Vittoria Community Centre on Oakes Boulevard from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Feb. 24.

The Grand Erie Public Health Unit is encouraging parents to consider early vaccination for infants as cases continue to climb within the region. A first dose can be given as early as six months of age, however two additional doses are needed after their first birthday.

The health unit said the majority of cases in the Brantford-Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk area have been attributed to unvaccinated people, particularly young children.

As of Thursday, there were 48 confirmed measles infections in the area. Six of the cases were among adults, while children made up the remaining 42 known cases.