Halton Region Supports National Immunization Awareness Week

During National Immunization Awareness Week, April 20-26, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Bob Nosal, is reminding residents to check their immunization records to make sure their vaccinations are up date. Over time, some vaccinations weaken and need booster doses to help provide continual protection. Immunization is the best way to protect themselves and their loved ones against illnesses including influenza and childhood diseases such as chickenpox, measles, and pertussis.

“Not only do children need to get their immunizations, but adults also need to keep their immunizations up to date,” stated Dr. Bob Nosal. “Immunization is one of the most effective methods of both preventing the re-emergence of diseases – such as measles – and controlling the spread of common illnesses such as the flu.”

Immunizations are provided by family physicians, the Region’s school-based clinics, long term care home immunization programs and community immunization clinics. If you are not sure whether you need a booster dose, contact your family physician.

For children, Halton’s school-based clinics are an important part of delivering immunizations. In 2007, Health Department Nurses immunized 4,948 children against hepatitis B and 4,188 against meningococcal C. Ninety-two percent of children in Halton schools have had all age appropriate immunizations. Halton has one of the highest rates of school-based immunization compliance in the province.

The Health Department is required to maintain immunization records for all daycare and school aged children in Halton. Therefore, parents and caregivers must remember to notify the Health Department each time their child is immunized.

Parents must also remember to update any immunization information on their child’s yellow immunization card. It is important for it to be up to date for school entry, camps, and university.

To help increase local awareness about the importance of immunization, copies of two resources entitled “2006 Canadian Immunization Guide” and “Your Child’s Best Shot” are available at Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills’ libraries. Additional information about the importance of immunization and specific vaccines can be found on the Health Department’s website at www.halton.ca/health.

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