National Immunization Awareness Week is an annual event held in the last week of April to highlight and recognize the importance of immunization.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially serious infection caused by meningococcal bacteria. While meningococcal disease and its complications are uncommon, the consequences can be devastating. This is Benjamin's story.
One hundred years ago, infectious diseases were the leading cause of death worldwide. In Canada, they now cause less than 5% of all deaths – thanks in part to immunization.
Immunization protects individuals and communities by preventing the spread of disease. As more people are immunized, the disease risk for everyone is reduced. Immunization has probably saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention. Immunization is the single most cost-effective health investment, making it a key factor in promoting health.
Childhood immunization is recommended to begin at 2 months of age with additional doses at 4, 6, 12 and 18 months. Most diseases pose the greatest health risk for children under the age of 2 years, so it is important to start on time and get all the doses to give your child the best protection.
The Parents Guide to Vaccination is available in numerous languages from Public Health Agency of Canada.
You can get tetanus from any object that breaks open your skin while working in the garden, farming, doing repairs to your home, or even from an animal bite. A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years… Are you up-to-date?
Adults with a chronic condition or those aged 65 and older are eligible to receive the pneumococcal vaccine to protect them from this bacterial infection.
Are you new to Manitoba? Check with your local Public Health office to make sure your immunization records are entered into our provincial system, so your primary care provider has access to this important information.
National Immunization Awareness Week is a great time to learn more. Visit immunize.ca for reliable information on immunization for all ages.
Vaccines on the Manitoba Routine Immunization Schedule are available at no charge through your Public Health office or primary care provider. Click here for a listing of Public Health-Healthy Living offices in Southern Health-Santé Sud.
