Immunization Protects Everyone - National Immunization Awareness Week: April 23-30, 2011 - Apr 20, 2011

National Immunization Awareness Week highlights the importance of protecting the public from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievement of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities. Immunization programs are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect individuals, but also help protect entire communities by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

"Although vaccine-preventable diseases are at an all-time low in Canada, these diseases still exist and continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks," says Michelle House, Vice-President of Population Health. "If you are not up to date with your immunizations you can pass on disease to the more vulnerable populations, such as babies or the elderly." Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps in Canada and the United States are a reminder of the importance of immunization in the control of these diseases.

As a part of recognizing National Immunization Awareness Week, Community health nurses will join Corner Brook Mayor Neville Greeley at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at City Hall to sign a proclamation.

Immunization protects everyone. "This week serves as a reminder for people to check their immunization records," says Peggy Allan, Communicable Disease Nurse. "Whether you are a parent, a young adult or a senior, talk to your community health nurse, nurse practitioner or family doctor about being up to date on your immunizations."

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For further information:    
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca