News Release                                                

                                                     For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                       April 28, 2008

A Colourful Tribute to Immunization Awareness Week

Children from forty-three local childcare centres in Grey Bruce took part in a National Immunization Awareness Week colouring contest, sponsored by the Grey Bruce Health Unit. The contest highlighted the importance of immunization in keeping children healthy.

“We wanted the children to have some fun, but also get an important health message from this activity.” said Mary Lynn Barron, Public Health Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program. “We also wanted to remind parents and childcare teachers about the importance of immunization, not only for the children, but for themselves as well.”

Winners of the colouring contest received individual prizes. The six childcare centres with the best participation rates receive gift certificates for classroom supplies, with the three top three centres also receiving an opportunity to host a puppet show about immunization. Information was also provided to parents.

Currently in Grey Bruce, 99% of school-aged children have their required vaccines. “Nation Immunization Week provides a reminder to check whether your family’s immunizations are up to date. Someone may need a booster shot to protect them against serious, but preventable diseases,” Barron added. This year, National Immunization Awareness Week was April 20-26. For further information on immunization, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Top six childcare centres with highest percentage of colouring sheets returned:

1. Brooke Montessori Toddler School, Owen Sound
2. Le Jardin Des Decouvertes, Owen Sound
3. Crayon Box Nursery School, Thornbury
4. Nshiime Daycare Centre, Cape Croker
5. Wiarton Kids Den Daycare Centre, Wiarton
6. Hanover Montessori Children’s House, Hanover

Top three winners in the 2-4 years age group attend:

1. Dundalk Kids N Us, Dundalk
2. Crayon Box Nursery School, Thornbury
3. Nshiime Daycare Centre, Cape Croker

Top three winners in the 4-6 years age group attend:

1. Happy Hearts Nursery School & Day Care, Owen Sound
2. Family Y Childcare Centre, Owen Sound
3. Bruce Peninsula Family Centre

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Attachment: Photos:

 - Public Health Nurse, Mary Lynn Barron presents Madison Stevens with a gift pack and $25 gift certificate

 - Madison, who attends the Family Y Childcare Centre in Owen Sound, was one of three winners for her age category in the Immunization Awareness Week Colouring Contest

For more information:

Mary Lynn Barron

Public Health Nurse,

Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 287