The fear in Elizabeth Connors’ voice was still palpable as she recounted those harrowing five days at Alberta Children’s Hospital. Her four-month-old daughter Sophia, too young for her scheduled measles vaccine, had contracted the highly contagious disease.
“The doctors told me we caught it just in time,” Elizabeth told me during our interview at her Airdrie home, just north of Calgary. “Another day and she might not have made it. I’ve never been so terrified in my life.”
Sophia’s case represents a troubling trend across Alberta. According to Alberta Health Services, measles cases have risen by 27% in the past six months compared to all of 2024. What’s particularly concerning is that 62% of those cases involved unvaccinated individuals, while the remainder affected children too young to receive their first dose.
Dr. Maria Henderson, Chief Medical Officer for the Calgary Zone, explained the severity of the situation. “We’re seeing the consequences of vaccination rates dipping below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. When that happens, those most vulnerable—like infants under 12 months—face the greatest risk.”
The standard MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine schedule in Alberta administers the first dose at 12 months and the second between ages 4-6. This leaves infants particularly vulnerable during their first year of life.
For Elizabeth, whose older children are fully vaccinated, the experience has transformed her into an unexpected advocate. “Before this, I respected people’s choices about vaccines, even if I disagreed. Now? I can’t stay silent. Not when babies like Sophia are paying the price for misinformation.”
That misinformation continues to circulate throughout Calgary and surrounding communities, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting vaccine safety and efficacy. A recent University of Calgary study found that anti-vaccine sentiment has gained traction in certain pockets of the province, particularly following the pandemic.
“We’re dealing with a perfect storm,” explained Dr. Henderson. “Pandemic fatigue, general distrust in institutions, and highly organized misinformation campaigns have created dangerous gaps in our immunity shield.”
City Councillor Jyoti Gondek has called for increased public health funding to address vaccine hesitancy. “This isn’t just a health issue; it’s about protecting our most vulnerable citizens. When we see preventable diseases threatening our children, we need to act decisively.”
The provincial response has been mixed. While Health Minister Jason Copping announced an additional $3.2 million for vaccine awareness campaigns last month, critics argue more direct intervention is needed.
Dr. Robert Stevens, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta, believes stronger measures should be considered. “We need to look at what’s working elsewhere. Several provinces have implemented school entry requirements for standard childhood vaccines, which has proven effective at maintaining high coverage rates.”
Back in Airdrie, Elizabeth showed me Sophia’s room, now transformed with medical equipment for her ongoing recovery. The tiny oxygen tank beside her crib is a stark reminder of measles’ potential severity.
“She’s getting stronger every day,” Elizabeth said, gently stroking her daughter’s hand. “But she shouldn’t have had to fight this battle at all.”
For Calgary parents wondering how to protect their families, Dr. Henderson offered clear guidance: “Ensure your family’s vaccinations are up to date. If you’re unsure about your immunity status, contact your healthcare provider about testing or booster shots. And remember, getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting vulnerable people like Sophia who can’t yet receive the vaccine.”
Alberta Health Services has established several pop-up vaccination clinics throughout Calgary in response to the outbreak. Locations and schedules can be found on the AHS website.
As our city faces this preventable health crisis, Elizabeth’s parting words resonated deeply. “I used to think the worst thing as a parent was watching your child suffer. Now I know it’s watching them suffer from something that never should have happened in the first place.”
With measles cases continuing to rise across Alberta, her warning serves as a powerful reminder of what’s truly at stake in our ongoing public health conversation.
