Health and Community Services
September 1, 2015
Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Residents
Provincial Immunization Program Expands to Include Rotavirus Vaccine
Starting today (Tuesday, September 1), the rotavirus vaccine will be provided as part of the provincial immunization program for children two months and four months of age who were born on or after July 1.
�Newfoundland and Labrador is a leader in Canada for vaccination coverage rates, and our approach to immunization has been a key factor in our success with vaccination uptake. The rotavirus vaccine is recognized as a safe and effective method to reduce the spread of gastrointestinal illness and hospitalization within children. Children, families, and communities throughout the province will benefit from the addition of this vaccine to the provincial immunization program.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastrointestinal infection in children under five years of age. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
�The rotavirus vaccine has been introduced for children in other jurisdictions including the United States and Europe. The number of hospital admissions for serious illness has been significantly reduced, which demonstrates the public health benefit of this vaccine.�
- Dr. David Allison, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador
As part of the established immunization schedule administered to children throughout the province, the rotavirus vaccine is a two-dose oral vaccination that will be administered to children at two months followed by a second vaccination at four months.
�We are very pleased to see the inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine in the provincial immunization program. One of the main objectives of any public health initiative is to prevent illness from occurring which leads to both healthier populations and a more efficient health care system. From all accounts, this vaccine has been shown to be effective at doing this so it is a win-win for everyone.�
- Lynn Vivian-Book, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Public Health Association
Information on the provincial immunization program and contact information for the regional health authorities is available at:
www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/immunizations.html
QUICK FACTS
- Starting today (Tuesday, September 1), the rotavirus vaccine will be provided as part of the provincial immunization program for children born on or after July 1.
- Rotavirus causes a gastrointestinal infection in children under five years of age. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
- The two-dose oral vaccination that will be administered to children at two months followed by a second vaccination at four months.
- Information on the provincial immunization program and contact information for the regional health authorities is available at: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/immunizations.html.
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Media contacts:
| Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca |
Lynn Vivian-Book President Newfoundland and Labrador Public Health Association info@nlpha.ca |
2015 09 01 3:35 p.m.