Government of Canada Launches Child Immunization Campaign

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jun 26 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Government of Canada today launched a three-year public education
campaign to encourage parents to have their children immunized against
certain diseases before the age of two. The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq,
Minister of Health, made the announcement at the annual meeting of the
Canadian Paediatric Society.

"Immunization is one of the best tools we have to protect the health of
our children," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Many vaccine-preventable diseases
that can be fatal can be easily avoided with on-time immunization."

Even though exhaustive scientific evidence shows that immunizations are
among the safest and most cost-effective public health measures,
achieving and maintaining high levels of immunization coverage remains a
challenge. Past experience has shown that when immunization rates fall,
the rates of disease can increase dramatically.

The centrepiece of the campaign is A Parent's Guide to Immunization, a
booklet that offers clear, easy-to-understand information for parents of
children up to two years of age. It addresses vaccine safety, the
importance of on-time immunization and provides parents with information
on what to expect when their child gets immunized. It also includes
information on 13 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps,
pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, diphtheria and tetanus.

"This campaign offers parents easy-to-understand information about
immunization to help them make informed decisions about their children's
health," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's Chief Public Health
Officer.

The campaign also features a website
(www.publichealth.gc.ca/immunization) where parents can obtain copies of
provincial and territorial immunization schedules to help them keep track
of their children's vaccinations. The website includes FAQs on
vaccine-preventable diseases, and a downloadable copy of A Parent's Guide
to Immunization. Hard copies of the Guide are available by calling 1 800
O-Canada.

"Immunization is still the surest way to protect children from serious
illness," said Dr. Joanne Embree, President of the Canadian Paediatric
Society. "Paediatricians welcome resources that help remind parents to
have their children immunized with all the recommended vaccines on time."

The campaign includes information for health care professionals, since
research shows they have significant influence over whether parents
immunize their children.

"It's important that parents get their children immunized," said Minister
Aglukkaq. "As the mother of an infant, I am proud of this campaign that
encourages parents to immunize their children early against preventable
diseases."

Egalement disponible en francais

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of Health
Josee Bellemare
613-957-0200

Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
613-941-8189

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