April 25 - May 2, 2015
This year’s theme for National Immunization Awareness Week, determined by the Pan-American Health Organization, is “Power of vaccines: Boost your power - get vaccinated”. Canada is pleased to celebrate this important week along with our global partners in many countries around the world.
The World Health Organization estimates that immunization prevents between two to three million deaths every year. In Canada, diseases that were once common and widespread have been significantly reduced over the past 50 years.
Before the availability of vaccines in Canada, diseases such as measles, diphtheria and polio killed many Canadians. Others were left with serious and debilitating conditions. These illnesses are now preventable by immunization.
Immunization is a public health success story in Canada and most Canadians are vigilant about ensuring they and their families are vaccinated. Even so, outbreaks still happen particularly in areas with higher numbers of unvaccinated individuals– as shown by recent outbreaks of measles. Canadians need to stay protected by keeping up to date with their vaccinations.
Despite the fact that vaccines are safe and effective, there are still some Canadians who delay vaccinations or who are reluctant to vaccinate. The unimmunized create a risk for themselves as well as for those who cannot receive vaccinations or for whom the vaccine did not provide full protection from the disease. If you have any concerns about immunization, please speak with your health care provider to get the credible, evidenced-based information you need to make the right decision.
Additionally, no homeopathic product should be promoted as an alternative to conventional vaccines, because there are no substitutes for vaccines.
To help make sure you and your family’s immunizations are up-to-date, I encourage you to discover ImmunizeCA, an innovative mobile vaccine application (app). You can download this free mobile app to stay informed and manage your own, and your family’s vaccinations.
I also recommend A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination, one of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s most requested publications, recently updated to help parents understand the protection that vaccines offer.
First Nations, Inuit parents and caregivers can find helpful information on how vaccines protect your children and how to ensure they receive their immunization.
Awareness materials including a downloadable poster, infographic and video are available online. Canada is pleased to join countries around the world in recognizing and promoting the immense contribution that immunization has made to safeguarding the health of millions.
Vaccinations are miracles of modern medicine. It’s clear that they are safe and they save lives. During National Immunization Awareness Week, I encourage you to learn more about immunization, and how getting vaccinated can protect yourself, your family and your community.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
