Are you immunized?

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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From April 22 to 28, it’s National Immunization Awareness Week. Immunization is the single most cost effective health investment an individual can make. Now is a good time to celebrate the benefits of immunization and review the immunizations you and your child need.

Diseases like measles, rubella, polio and whooping cough haven’t disappeared; they’re only under control in Canada because we immunize. If we stop immunizing, these diseases will reappear and cause severe illness, disability and even death. Other diseases caused by bacteria that are all around us – such as tetanus, meningitis and diphtheria – are effectively prevented by vaccines.

“Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and others from disease,” said Leeann Whitney, Director of Infectious Diseases. “It’s also important that parents notify the health unit to ensure their children’s immunization records are up to date.”

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit maintains all immunization records for students attending schools or registered daycares in the district. However, it is the parents’ responsibility to provide their child’s immunization record to the health unit. This ensures that each child’s immunization status is reviewed and we will make recommendations to ensure they are adequately protected against diseases that are preventable.

Children attending daycare facilities or schools in Ontario must be either immunized or in the process of being immunized, unless they have legal exemptions. Otherwise, a child may be suspended from school. A vaccination schedule for children follows.

If you or your child needs a vaccination, contact your health care provider or visit one of the health unit’s clinics. The health unit provides clinics twice a week by appointment in the North Bay office and also offers clinics in the Parry Sound and Burks Falls offices. To book an appointment, please call 1-800-563-2808 or 474-1400, ext 2252.

For more information about immunizations, call the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 or 474-1400 or visit www.nbpsdhu.ca.

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