National Immunization Week April 24-30 – Catch up with confidence

National Immunization Week April 24-30 – Catch up with confidence

by | Apr 26, 2023 | News & Notices

MEDIA RELEASE:

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

April 21, 2023

 National Immunization Week April 24-30 – Catch up with confidence

 Over the past few years, many of us missed out on seeing the people we love and partaking in the activities we enjoy, in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect ourselves and others. During this time, we also missed out on staying up to date on routine immunizations. Many routine immunization programs had to stop and people were unable to receive the vaccines they needed. This has not only put people behind in their routine immunizations, but has also left the door open for a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough. As we continue to live alongside COVID-19, we are regaining the opportunity to catch up with friends and family, catch up on the hobbies we love, and catch up on the vaccines we missed. We want everyone to be able to catch up with confidence, knowing they are safe and protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

 Immunization is important at every age and stage of life:

For pregnant mothers:

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all pregnant individuals get the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine in every pregnancy to help protect the baby after birth. The Tdap vaccine may be offered at any prenatal appointment, and the SOGC recommends immunization should be provided ideally between 21 and 32 weeks of gestational age.

https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/immunization/docs/tdap_fs_en.pdf

https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/vaccinations-pregnancy

For babies and toddlers:

Routine vaccinations are recommended on a schedule based on your child’s age. All or almost all of these vaccines are provided for free by your province or territory.

A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination

For children starting school or daycare:

Check to make sure your child has all the vaccines needed to attend school. Learn which vaccines your children need: Vaccines for children at school | ontario.ca

Children in Grade 7:

Here are the vaccine children should receive:

Youth going to post-secondary schools or work force:

Get caught up before you leave.

Adults and Seniors:

You are eligible to receive the following vaccines free depending on your age:

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (once in adulthood)
  • Tetanus and Diphtheria (every 10 years)
  • Influenza (every year in the Fall)
  • Pneumococcal (aged 65 years+)
  • Shingles (aged 65–70 years)
  • COVID-19 (Spring booster for those eligible; Fall booster – recommendations pending)

For reliable information about vaccines information or to make an appointment at one of our clinics:

·       Visit our website www.healthunit.org (go to health information and look for Immunization (Immunization – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit)

·       Call 1-844-369-1234 (open Monday to Friday from 8:30am–4:00pm).

·       Follow LGLHealthunit on Facebook and Twitter or lglhealthunit.z on Instagram

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For media interviews, contact media@healthunit.org