Southern Albertans are getting immunized against measles after an influx of cases in the region. (Photo: Arne9001 | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Measles vaccination rates rising in southern Alberta as region has highest infection rate

May 14, 2025 | 11:22 AM

The province says an influx of measles cases in the South Zone has led to more people getting immunized.

As of May 13, there have been 238 confirmed cases in the region this year, just under two-thirds (63.6 per cent) of all cases in the province.

Alberta’s Ministry of Health says Alberta Health Services (AHS) has increased the number of measles clinics across the province and has extended hours at existing clinics.

They say their efforts to increase vaccination uptake are already showing results.

“Between the weeks of March 16 and April 27, a total of 37,242 measles vaccines were administered—an increase of nearly 68 percent compared to the same period last year,’ reads a statement from the Ministry of Health.

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“In the South Zone where there are the most cases, the number of vaccinations given in the week ending April 27 was two and a half times higher than in the same week in 2024.”

The province reports that, as of 2024, approximately 91.1 per cent of people in the South Zone had received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine by age 17.

Communities such as Newell (98 per cent), Crowsnest Pass (97.4 per cent) and North Lethbridge (95.1 per cent) had the highest rates of immunization, while Lethbridge County (77.5 per cent), the County of Forty Mile (82.3 per cent), and the Municipal District of Taber (82.3 per cent) had the lowest.

The Ministry says immunization is the most effective way to protect against measles, “and we strongly encourage all Albertans to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to protect themselves and their communities.”

Immunization appointments can be booked online at MyHealth.Alberta.ca or by phoning Health Link at 8-1-1 or your local community health centre.