(The Canadian Press)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

National Immunization Awareness Week promotes getting caught up

Apr 29, 2023 | 2:27 PM

April 24-30 is National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW) in Canada.

Over the course of the pandemic,Alberta Health Services says, routine immunizations may have been missed or delayed for both children and adults.

Public Health nurses with AHS are currently reaching out to grade 10, 11, 12 families of students who may have missed their routine immunizations due to the pandemic to offer catch up immunizations.

“Today, vaccines continue to contribute to the elimination of diseases, such as measles and cervical cancer. They are also used to help prevent painful conditions like shingles. Most recently, vaccines have played a crucial role in our fight against COVID-19, helping to save the lives of millions of people in Canada. What vaccines have accomplished historically as well as their potential for the future is remarkable,” says Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health.

“That is why, as part of Canada’s National Immunization Strategy, we have set vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets, which are based on international standards and best practices. We have made great progress towards many of these goals, particularly among children and adolescents.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

10m ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

20h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Parents and guardians can connect to their local Community Health Centres by visiting Community Health Centres | Alberta Health Services or by calling Health Link at 811.