Keep your child's immunizations up to date
August 21, 2009
Alberta Health Services is reminding Albertans Immunization is the most effective way to protect your children, family and friends against childhood diseases such as chicken pox, mumps, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio.
"In the same way that a child car safety seat protects a child in a vehicle, vaccines work to protect children from illness and death caused by infectious childhood diseases," says Dr. Gerry Predy, Senior Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services. "Parents with children starting kindergarten this fall are encouraged to ensure their children's booster shots are up to date."
Some parents may wonder why they need to get their children immunized against childhood diseases, especially those that rarely occur in our region. However, we have to remember these diseases are still here and others are only a plane ride or bus trip away, Dr. Predy explains.
Prior to starting kindergarten all children should have the immunization commonly known as the Kindergarten booster. One injection protects children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus Influenza Type B; another protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The varicella vaccine is also available to preschoolers who have not had chicken pox.
"Getting your child immunized is simple," says Dr. Predy, noting parents can call their nearest Public Health Centre and make an appointment to take their children in for the booster. "It's easier for children if parents are there to comfort them after they've had an immunization shot."
Statistics show that approximately 80 per cent of children in Alberta are up to date on their immunizations by the time they start Grade 1. Alberta Health & Wellness strongly recommends that all children be immunized by the end of the first grade.
For more information about immunizations and to learn where your closest Public Health Centre is, residents can call Health Link Alberta to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 780-408-LINK (5465) or outside the local calling area, toll free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.5 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tadra Boulton
Phone: 780-407-7188
Cell: 780-905-6259
