National Immunization Awareness Week is an annual event held in the last week of April to highlight and recognize the importance of immunization. This year’s theme is “Let’s catch up with confidence” referring to catching up with loved ones after a prolonged pandemic, knowing they are safe and protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

“The past few years have been focused on protecting ourselves and others. COVID-19 saw us pull back from the activities and the people we love. It also saw some of us missing out on routine immunizations,” says Wendy Fontaine, immunization coordinator and public health nurse with Interlake-Eastern RHA.

Fontaine says that regularly scheduled immunization clinics were stopped in some areas or regular doctor visits were delayed and many people were unable to receive the vaccines they needed.

“From a public health perspective, when people are behind in their routine immunizations, we can see a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and polio. As we look to catch up for missed time with friends and family, and begin reconnecting with the activities we enjoy, it’s also time to get our vaccines up to date.”

This National Immunization Awareness Week, Immunize Canada encourages everyone in Canada to get up to date on the vaccines they need and  #GetImmunized with confidence.

Unsure if you or your child need to catch up on immunizations or would youlike to make an appointment? 

Visit www.ierha.ca and click on “Find Us” and “Community Health Offices” for the number of the public health office in your area.

#NIAW2023 #VaccinesWork #GetImmunized