NDP health critic concerned by measles numbers

Posted on June 5, 2025 by admin

By Alexandra Noad
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sarah Hoffman, NDP shadow minister for Health and a former health minister herself, is deeply concerned but not surprised by the number of measles infections in the province, which is now over 700.

“It’s not a loss to me that Lethbridge, where half the people don’t have a family doctor, and southern Alberta is one of the areas where we’re having the biggest outbreaks right now.”

She adds that those who don’t have a family doctor are able to call 811 to see if they are updated on their vaccines and if not, they can be directed to a clinic to get the vaccine.

Hoffman says she understands that life gets busy and it can be easy to forget but, especially in times of outbreak, it is important that everyone is immunized.

“I know there’s a lot of people who just aren’t aware, things got in the way, maybe their kid was sick last time they were due for their vaccines and didn’t get back in.”

Hoffman says those with any concerns about the possible side effects of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine should speak with their physician or call 811 about their concerns.

She says she only had one dose of the MMR herself until just a few years ago, after needing a tetanus shot, she was offered the booster which she gladly accepted and says she has peace of mind when leaving the house.

Over a year ago, Dr. Mark Joffe, former chief medical officer of health, raised alarms about measles, but it took the province until just a couple of weeks ago to actually make a vaccine campaign.

Measles was eradicated in Canada in the 1990s and Hoffman says it’s possible to do it again, but everyone has to do their part.

“I really hope people can call public health and get vaccinated because in the late 90’s they actually had eradicated measles right across Canada, so it’s absolutely doable we just need to be intentional.”