This week is Immunization Awareness Week and is an opportunity for Manitobans to review their family’s immunization status and take steps to ensure their loved ones are protected. This statement was made by Health Minister Theresa Oswald.
The theme of this year’s Immunization Awareness Week is Protect yourself. Protect others. Get immunized!
“Immunizations are one of the services Manitobans can now access through QuickCare clinics in Winnipeg, Steinbach and Selkirk,” said Oswald. “With this increased access, I encourage all Manitobans to protect themselves and others from vaccine-preventable diseases by getting immunized. Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other medical intervention. During Immunization Awareness Week, take a moment to check your immunization record and ensure your immunizations are up to date and your family is fully protected.”
The World Health Organization estimates that immunization prevents two to three million deaths worldwide every year. Vaccines have reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed infants, children and adults.
Vaccines used in Canada are safe and effective, said Dr. Michael Routledge, chief provincial public health officer.
“Immunization is recognized as one of the best defences against the spread of communicable diseases and the most effective way of reducing their impacts including illness, disability and death,” he said. “Infants and children are particularly vulnerable, since they have not developed adequate immunity to the bacteria and viruses that cause diseases. Last year we saw the number of whooping cough cases increase in Manitoba and throughout Canada, a reminder of the importance of immunization. To ensure they are fully protected, infants, children and adults should receive all doses of recommended vaccines on time.”
Manitobans can receive immunization for over 15 vaccine-preventable diseases through Manitoba Health’s routine immunization program. Some vaccines require more than one dose to build up the body’s immunity to diseases. To be fully protected, it’s important to get all doses in the series and subsequent boosters. Adults should get all required booster doses to maintain lifelong immunity.
Routine immunization schedules for infants, children and adults are available online.
In Manitoba, immunizations are provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, public health nurses, nurse practitioners or physicians. QuickCare clinics are staffed by both nurse practitioners and nurses and are open for walk-in appointments during the day and by appointment evenings and weekends.
