Attention News Editor:

News Feature                             For Immediate Release

April 20, 2006

Help Eradicate Disease: Get Your Immunizations

National Immunization Awareness Week 

Immunization is a cornerstone of public health. The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness describes immunization as the single most cost-effective health investment and one of the top achievements of public health.

National Immunization Awareness Week, April 23-29, is a reminder of how immunization reduces illness, disability and death from infectious disease. At the beginning of the 20^th century, infectious diseases including measles, diphtheria, whooping cough and smallpox were common and the leading cause of death worldwide. Today, they now cause less than 5% of all deaths. Immunization programs mean these diseases are now the exception rather than the rule. Vaccinations made polio a rarity and eliminated smallpox worldwide. Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention.

Despite this progress, we still have to be vigilant of vaccine preventable diseases. A recent outbreak of rubella in Ontario and mumps in the United States are a reminder. Despite their low prevalence, we still need protection from these illnesses. Eradication of disease starts with immunization.

Currently, twelve vaccines are free in Ontario and should be received during early childhood through to adolescence. Flu shots are also available, as are other vaccines for high-risk individuals.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit offers immunization clinics every Tuesday at the Owen Sound site and at the Walkerton site on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Saugeen Shores area offers a clinic on the second Wednesday of every month at the Plex in Port Elgin.

For more information call Public Health at 376-9420, or visit our website 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 ext. 230