News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                   February 14, 2008

Paediatricians Support Universal Chicken Pox Vaccine

Dr. Paul Dick, Regional Consulting Paediatrician for Grey Bruce Health Services, highlighted the importance of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine in light of a recent death due to complications related to this disease. Dr. Dick explained the seriousness of chicken pox, potential complications of the disease, the vulnerability of older children who may not have received the vaccine and current vaccine recommendations. Dr. Dick joins with local paediatricians in support of efforts for a universal publicly funded varicella vaccine.

“There are two faces to chicken pox; the mild version most people may be used to, but the severe face presents an entirely different story. People need to recognize the severe form of chicken pox and act early to prevent this disease rather than rely on responding to it when it arises.” says Dr. Dick.

The Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit has called on the province to implement a universal publicly funded varicella vaccine program.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 230