Alberta pharmacists can't offer publicly funded measles vaccine as outbreak worries grow

There are calls for Alberta to improve access to publicly funded measles vaccines, by allowing pharmacists to provide them, as some Albertans struggle to access the shots.

Canadian health officials recently began urging people to ensure they're protected against measles, especially before travelling. Cases have surged in Europe and are popping up in parts of Canada as well.

Many adults are now scrambling to sort out if they need another dose.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, adults who were born before 1970 and plan to travel should have at least one dose of the vaccine. Those born after 1970 should have two.

"I didn't want to take a chance with the measles," said Red Deer resident Jean Kennedy-Roy, prior to leaving for France to visit her new grandbaby, who is too young to be vaccinated.

When she heard the vaccination recommendations for travellers, she immediately set out to secure an appointment for herself.

But, according to Kennedy-Roy, it wasn't easy.

"This needs to be dealt with so people can get their injections in a more timely manner," she said.

She wasn't able to book an appointment in time at a public immunization clinic and tried a number of different pharmacies before driving to Lacombe, where she paid out of pocket to get the shot.

"The government is behind the 8-ball," she said.

"They really need to get on to this. They need to work with public health and the pharmacies and move the vaccine into more accessible community spaces."

Kennedy-Roy wrote Alberta's health minister about her concerns but has yet to hear back.

Randy Howden, president of the Alberta Pharmacists' Association, said pharmacists would like to help but have not been given the green light by the provincial government.

Currently, pharmacists can only access private supplies and charge customers for measles shots.