Immunization Safety

In the last 50 years, immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention. We all remember receiving immunization or booster shots in grade school. The purpose of the school immunization program was to prevent illnesses such as Tuberculosis, Tetanus, and Measles to name a few! Most of these immunizations occur in infancy and early childhood, however, some are required later in life.

Once we leave the secondary school system, the process of regulated immunization is eliminated from our lives and the remaining immunizations then become the responsibility of the individual. Without a guideline to follow, many of us forget to continue our immunizations. It is important to continue immunizations in the prevention of illness. Many of the transmissible diseases today are resistant to antibiotics and are more difficult to treat. Our best defense against disease is to ensure our immunizations are up to date.

Some important prevention items to consider:

Are your immunizations up to date? If do not know consult your family doctor who should have your immunization records. In some provinces, the medical practitioner provides the individual will a record book of their personal immunizations.

If you receive a, scrape, cut or puncture of your skin, no matter how minor the wound, you must seek first aid. Your immunization may not be up to date and your risk of infection is high. First Aid is your best prevention against infection after an incident. Do not bandage it yourself and continue working, “SEEK FIRST AID TREATMENT”.

Tetanus Shots! Must be kept current to prevent tetanus from scrapes, cuts or wounds. Generally you were required to have one every ten years, however the requirements have changed; ensure you consult a doctor for the current requirements.

If you have a planning to travel outside of Canada there are different immunizations required for your safety! Traveling outside Canada has several health and safety risks including contracting deadly illnesses. Consult Health Canada, local travel clinic and/or your doctor to ensure you have all the immunizations required for the area(s) you plan to visit.