An ounce of prevention: The
importance of immunization
By Dr. David Butler-Jones MD,
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
In the last century, immunization has transformed childhood and greatly
improved the chances of growing up well. The World Health Organization
estimates that every year, more than two million deaths are prevented
worldwide due to immunization. April 25th - May 2nd is National
Immunization Awareness Week and an opportunity to discuss the importance
of immunization.
Before the benefit of mass immunization, generations of Canadians were
threatened by a range of serious diseases. Vaccines have eliminated
smallpox, eradicated polio in our part of the world, and have greatly
reduced the number of cases of other diseases like whooping cough and
measles. Immunization is an important, cost-effective and successful
public health measure; however, people who are only partially immunized or
not immunized at all may be at risk for the diseases that these vaccines
prevent.
Speak with your health care provider about your immunization needs and
those of your family. Routine childhood immunizations begin at about two
months, but recommended immunizations continue into adolescence and
adulthood. It is also important for people who are at increased risk for
certain illnesses (because of travel or occupational hazards) to keep
their immunizations up-to-date. For example, immunizations like tetanus
need to be updated every 10 years. Tetanus is a rare, but fatal, disease
that is caused by bacteria found in the soil so this is especially
important to note as the weather warms up and we see the start of
gardening season.
Canada has had great success in reducing and eliminating
vaccine-preventable diseases. Some people are concerned about the safety
of vaccines, and this may impact on immunization coverage. The fewer
people that get vaccinated, the more vulnerable we are as a population to
outbreaks of diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria,
pertussis, meningitis and hepatitis B. For more information on these
diseases, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at
www.publichealth.gc.ca.
Vaccine Safety in Canada
All vaccines in Canada go through safety testing before being authorized
for use. Serious side effects from vaccines are rare -- the dangers posed
by the diseases themselves are far greater than the risks of a reaction to
the vaccine. There is a belief by some that vaccines can cause autism or
multiple sclerosis. These claims have been taken seriously and have been
tested by the scientific and health communities. Years of research and
evidence have been compiled and do not support any link between vaccines
and these diseases.
For concerned parents, it is important to remember that Canada has a
system in place to ensure that vaccines are safe and effective. Once a
vaccine is in use, health authorities continue to monitor its safety.
Studies around the world have repeatedly shown that immunization is a
proven and effective public health measure, especially when weighed
against the health risks from many serious vaccine-preventable illnesses.
For more information on immunizations, including information on vaccine
safety and immunization schedules for infants and children, adults and
travellers, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at:
www.publichealth.gc.ca.
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Dr. David Butler-Jones is Canada's first Chief Public Health Officer and
is head of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
