Free immunization clinics offered for kids

     TORONTO, March 5 /CNW/ - Toronto Public Health is running free

immunization clinics from March 1 to May 30 to help get children immunized.

Twenty-seven clinics are being held in four locations during this three-month

period. Parents whose children have not been immunized are encouraged to bring

their children to one of these clinics.

     "Immunization is an easy way to protect the health of your child and

prevent the spread of potentially life threatening illnesses to others," said

Dr. Rita Shahin, Associate Medical Officer of Health. "It also prevents your

child from being suspended from class for incomplete immunization records."

     In Ontario, children are required by law to be immunized against measles,

mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Children who are not immunized

and do not have a valid exemption can be suspended from school.

     It is a parent's responsibility to provide immunization records for their

school aged children to Toronto Public Health. Toronto Public Health reviews

these immunization records each year and requests additional information from

parents when incomplete immunization records are identified. Parents who do

not respond to these requests risk having their child suspended from school

for up to 20 days.

     The clinics will be held at the following locations:

     Crossways Mall              2340 Dundas St. W.

     North York Civic Centre     5100 Yonge St.

     Scarborough Civic Centre    150 Borough Dr.

     Etobicoke Civic Centre      399 The West Mall

     For more information and for a clinic schedule, please call the

Immunization Information Line at 416-392-1250 (translators are available) or

visit www.toronto.ca/health.

     Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home

to a diverse population of more than 2.6 million people. It is the economic

engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North

America. In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for

quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto's government is

dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.