National Immunization Awareness Week is a cross-Canada event that will take place April 21st to April 28th.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization saves three million lives each year, worldwide. Almost three million more lives are lost due to diseases that are preventable with existing vaccines. In the developed world, immunization has been so successful that diseases such as polio, diphtheria, mumps and measles are rarely, if ever, seen leading to some complacency about the further need to immunize. These diseases are only under control because of immunization; a decrease in immunization rates leads to outbreaks of disease.
It is important to note that vaccines are not just for infants and children. Immunization provides protection against diseases and promotes a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. In fact, there are more vaccines for adults than ever before. Adult vaccinations include boosters for tetanus and diphtheria, pneumococcal vaccination to protect against a certain strain of pneumonia, and also the annual influenza vaccine. If you are traveling to other countries, it is important that you check to see what vaccinations are needed for that destination.
If you have questions about immunizations, please contact:
Leduc Public Health Centre: 780-980-4644
Beaumont Public Health Centre: 780-929-4822
Devon Public Health Unit: 780-342-7069
Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network: 780-986-6624
Additional information can also be found at http://www.immunize.ca/ or http://www.publichealth.gc.ca/
