Immunization saves lives

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention. Adults and children who are under-immunized are at risk of contracting very serious diseases and infecting others.

Childhood immunizations, though critical, do not provide lifelong immunity against some diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria.

Booster shots are required to maintain immunity.

National Immunization Week, April 21 – 28 2012, reminds us of the importance of immunizations to help preserve the good health of families and communities.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit encourages everyone to take control of their own well-being by ensuring that they are immunized against preventable diseases.

Threats posed by infectious diseases continue to be an important risk.

Those who travel outside of Canada may require other vaccines and should consult with their health care provider or local travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before travelling abroad.

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“Childhood immunizations are critical, but we never outgrow the need for the kind of protection that immunization provides. National Immunization Week is a great time to stop and check your family’s immunization records to see if everyone is up to date,” says Andrea McLellan, Manager of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program at the Health Unit. “To help families stay on top of their routine immunizations we invite people to come pick up a free Memory Clip this week at Health Unit offices in North Bay and Parry Sound.”

Quick Facts

 The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends immunization beginning at 2 months of age and continuing through all stages of life to ensure maximum protection.

 According to the World Health Organization, (WHO), immunization saves three million lives each year worldwide. However, almost three million more lives, worldwide, are lost due to diseases that are preventable with existing vaccines.

 Information about Ontario’s publicly funded immunizations can be found online at www.healthunit.biz

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