National Immunization Awareness Week takes place April 24-May 1

The Sudbury & District Health Unit will be marking National Immunization Awareness week April 24-May 1.

History has proven that immunization saves lives, stated a press release from the health unit.

A century ago, many children never saw their fifth birthday due to diseases that could have been prevented by immunization. Almost all of those same diseases still exist, but today we have immunizations, and survival rates are much higher and diseases rates are significantly lower.

“For National Immunization Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone—not just parents of young children—to learn more about protecting themselves against vaccine preventable diseases,” Lisa Schell, a manager in the Sudbury & District Health Unit’s Clinical Services division, said in a press release.

The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends immunization beginning at two months of age and continuing through all stages of life. By following a standard schedule for immunizations, people can receive the maximum protection that immunizations offer, the press release stated.

Where previous generations of Canadians were threatened by a range of serious diseases, we now have easy access to vaccines that have eradicated smallpox globally, eliminated polio in our part of the world, and greatly reduced the number of cases of other diseases like whooping cough, measles, rubella, diphtheria, meningitis, and hepatitis B.

Immunization has saved more Canadian lives than any other health intervention, said the press release.

Although receiving immunizations during childhood is critical, some vaccines will not provide lifelong immunity against some diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw). A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years.

Tetanus is caused by bacteria that live in dirt, dust, and manure. It can cause painful muscle spasms and convulsions, and can lead to breathing failure and death. The vaccine is publicly funded and provided at no cost to individuals.

Along with immunization information, the Health Unit will be providing tetanus vaccinations at the following local garden centres for adults who are due for this immunization:

Botanix Azilda Greenhouse, 300 Carriere Street, Azilda, Saturday, May 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Freskiw Farms, 2093 Skead Road, Garson, Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information or to make an appointment to update your immunizations, please call the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 522-9200, toll free 1-866-522-9200, or visit www.sdhu.com.