National Immunization Awareness Month: Well- Child clinics and vaccine protection

Public Service Announcement
National Immunization Awareness Month: Well- Child clinics and vaccine protection

August is National Immunization Awareness Month in Canada. Each year, this month brings attention to the fact that vaccines have saved millions of lives.

The Department of Health would like to remind Nunavummiut that vaccines are safe and effective and provide the best protection against severe disease and illness.

The Well-Child clinics provide immunization for infants and young children in Nunavut at regular visits. Infants and children follow an in-depth immunization schedule that ensures they are protected from disease. These visits are based on Nunavut's immunization schedule.

Vaccines protect children, adults, families, and communities against serious diseases specifically those at highest risk. Several diseases like whooping cough, measles, and HPV can be prevented if you are vaccinated during childhood. Adults also need to think about seasonal vaccines such as the vaccine for influenza. Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines should be administered in adulthood after every 10 years. A pneumonia-preventing vaccine given in childhood should be given once again after the age of 50.

There is a recommended vaccine schedule for babies and children. The Childhood Vaccine Booklet, that outlines these recommendations, is available at your local health centre. In the booklet, you can see when your child needs vaccines, keep track of which vaccines your child gets, and learn all about vaccines and staying healthy. Adults can record and keep track of their administered vaccines on a paper wallet-sized immunization card, which can also be picked up at your local health centre. All vaccines for all ages are also recorded on Nunavut’s electronic medical record system called Meditech.

You can request a copy of your vaccine record at any time from your local public health unit.

Vaccinations can be booked by appointment throughout the territory. Call your local health centre to schedule an appointment. For more information on vaccines and well child clinics, visit the Government of Nunavut Website or talk to your health care provider.

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Media Contact:

Pierre Essoh
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
@email