Health and Community Services
April 26, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Minister Recognizes National Immunization Awareness Week

Mr. Speaker, this week, April 24 to 30, is National Immunization Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

National Immunization Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the value of being immunized. Getting vaccinated not only prevents us and our children from getting sick; it also reduces the risk to those with weaker immune systems, such as infants or individuals with chronic diseases.

The CD Howe Institute has recognized Newfoundland and Labrador as a national leader for childhood vaccinations with a rate of 95 per cent. Provincial statistics also indicate that we continue to excel in our childhood immunization programs. As an example of this, the provincial average coverage for all recommended immunizations for children at two years of age is between 98 and 99 per cent. These numbers have a very real positive influence in terms of prevention of communicable diseases into adulthood.

Residents can call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine at 811 to speak with a registered nurse about the immunization opportunities that may be available to them, or consult with their primary care provider or public health nurse.

Further information is also available at Immunize Canada's website at www.immunize.ca ".

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

- 30 -

2016 04 26                              1:55 p.m.