British Columbia’s provincial health officer is encouraging parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date ahead of the new school year.

In a statement, Dr. Bonnie Henry says now is the time to ensure your child is protected against illnesses, including measles, mumps and rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis and chickenpox.

Dr. Henry says it is particularly important this season as we are still seeing measles transmission in parts of the province and across the country.

Appointments can be booked at a public health clinic or at doctors’ or nurse-practitioners’ offices.

If your child is over four years of age, you can also book an appointment to get them vaccinated at some pharmacies.

Older children can receive vaccines in school clinics.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is routinely offered to all students in Grade 6, and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and meningitis vaccines in Grade 9.

They are also available at public health units, community health centres, some doctors’ and nurse-practitioners’ offices and some pharmacies.

Health Minister Ravi Kahlon also issued a statement warning of misinformation surrounding vaccines.

He says “too many bad actors use social media to get clicks from spreading lies that prey on the good intentions of parents and guardians.”

Kahlon also pointed to the United States, where he says the administration is spreading misinformation that helps the spread of deadly viruses like measles.

There have been more than  2,500 cases in the US so far this year.

To see the Minister’s and provincial health officer’s statements on back-to-school vaccinations, visit Government of British Columbia.