Immunization is a valuable public health tool that has led to the elimination, containment and control of diseases that were once very common in Canada. Safe and effective, vaccines have contributed to the health of individuals, families and our communities, as well as global health. Immunization prevents disease, saves lives and reduces health care spending.
The week of April 22 to 30 is National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW), an annual event that highlights and recognizes the importance of immunization. This year’s theme is “Protect your future. Get Immunized!”
“Maintaining your routine immunizations is important for people of all ages, including adults, as it helps to protect your future health,” says Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Colin Lee. “Over time, the amount of protection some vaccines offer declines, such as those for tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) so it is important to receive booster doses in adulthood to keep yourself and those around you safe from these and other vaccine preventable diseases. Additional vaccines, such as for shingles, may also be needed by individuals as they age to protect them from some diseases at different life stages based on their age, health conditions, job, lifestyle or travel habits.”
A national vaccine survey conducted in Fall 2021 found that over 5.3 million Canadians (4 million adults and 1.3 million children) had missed or delayed a routine immunization due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. This has not only put people behind in their routine immunizations but has also left the door open for a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, pertussis and polio.
Over the past two years the health unit has been working to get children and youth caught up with the vaccines they require under Ontario’s Immunizations of School Pupils Act (ISPA) that were impacted by the pandemic. However, it is equally important for adults to maintain their vaccines to protect themselves and those around them. Vaccination directly protects the individual who received the vaccine and offers indirect protection to those who cannot receive vaccinations or may not adequately respond to immunizations.
It is important that everyone catches up with their vaccines with confidence, knowing they are safe and protecting their future health against vaccine-preventable diseases. You can learn more about what routine vaccines may be recommended for you by talking to your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can access publicly funded vaccines through the health unit.
For more information, visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.