18 Sep 2009
As you update the school to do list for your children, remember to add checking on their immunization record to that list. Updated immunization records are required when your child is enrolled in school and the information is just as important as the new shoes and school supplies.
The health unit is required to collect and maintain up-to-date records of immunization for every child registered in school in Simcoe Muskoka. Maintaining up-to-date records can help to quickly identify students who are not protected from a disease in the event of an outbreak.
Fortunately, thanks to routine childhood vaccinations, outbreaks of preventable diseases are not common. However, even though many diseases are at their lowest levels in years we do continue to hear about occurrences of pertussis (whooping cough), measles and chickenpox, which tells us that the viruses and bacteria that cause them still exist.
The challenge is to keep immunization rates high so that we won’t have future epidemics. Because we so seldom see these once-common childhood diseases we no longer have a memory of the illness, health complications and sometimes death that these diseases can cause.
Vaccines work by introducing a small amount of antigen to create a memory in the body’s immune system. This antigen does not cause illness or harm. The immune system learns to recognize this disease without the person actually becoming ill. Later, if that same immune system comes in contact with the disease, the body is prepared to fight the disease off quickly.
Like all medicines, vaccines go through strict testing and must be shown to be safe and effective in preventing disease before they are approved for use. After approval, every lot is tested for safety and quality, and they are continuously monitored for side effects.
It’s important to remember that immunization offers protection for more than just the individual. Immunization protects communities by preventing the spread of disease—as more people are immunized the risk of disease for everyone is reduced.
It’s also important to remember that immunization isn’t just for children. Adults require a booster for tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years and there may be times when vaccines are recommended for travel, or for adults of a certain age or for those with medical conditions. Remember to speak with your health care provider to be sure that you too are up to date.
For more information and advice on immunizations that protect your children’s health call Your Health Connection Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) and speak with a public health professional or check the website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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Dr. Lee is an associate medical officer of health with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
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