SASKATOON — The on-and-off again the issue of tariffs is troubling provincial health officials, while at the same time they area advising the public to make sure they have the measles vaccine after cases were reported in nearby Manitoba that originated from Ontario, where there is an outbreak of the disease.
Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Andrew Will said they are ensuring that the four hospitals in Saskatoon—Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, the Royal University Hospital, Saint Paul’s Hospital, and the Saskatoon City Hospital—have the needed supplies for all of their staff and workers can provide the healthcare the public needs.
“We're concerned about the impact that may have on supplies we need to provide healthcare. I will say that our priority is ensuring we have the supplies we need to provide care. We are already in our purchasing practices, trying to prioritize Canadian suppliers as much as possible,” said Will.
“We will be digging in even more deeply to explore other opportunities to leverage Canadian suppliers for the supplies we need in health care. [SHA] remains committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health and other health system partners to ensure that our hospitals are equipped to meet the needs of our province.”
The Health Ministry is also taking a closer look at the rising measles cases in Canada after 227 cases were reported early this year. Manitoba already has six, three of which originated from Ontario, with the most infected. Quebec and British Columbia were the other provinces with cases, while the six other provinces and three territories have no cases yet.
The Health Ministry, in a statement, said the best way to prevent getting infected by the measles virus is to make sure you are immunized with the vaccine against the airborne disease; individuals who have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine at very low risk of 小蓝视频 infected. Measles, if left untreated, can lead to complications and even death,
“Health officials in Saskatchewan continue to advise residents to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations. Measles vaccinations are free as part of Saskatchewan's routine childhood immunization program. The first dose of [Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella] vaccine is given at 12 months of age and the second at 18 months,” said the statement.
In 2023, 73 per cent of Saskatchewan children two years of age had been vaccinated against measles. The Ministry said parents of older children who have not yet received two doses of the MMRV vaccine can contact Public Health.
The Government of Saskatchewan website provides additional information on routine vaccinations provided by Public Health, including measles vaccinations.
