THE back-to-school season is a great time to review your family’s vaccinations. Does anyone need to schedule an appointment?
Immunizations are one of the most effective preventative medical interventions available to protect children against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. However, children are not considered fully protected against vaccine preventable diseases until they have completed the recommended immunizations.
Children between four and six years old should have up-to-date booster shots to protect against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, chicken pox and whooping cough. Subsequent vaccinations are also received in grades 6 and 9 at school, with periodic immunizations also recommended throughout adulthood.
By ensuring your child is immunized, not only are you protecting their health but those in the community as well.
If you need to make an immunization appointment, call your family physician or local Public Health Unit. Fraser Health’s public health teams are supporting parents in keeping up with their child’s immunization schedule, offering convenient access to immunizations clinics during the evenings and on weekends. Please contact your local Public Health Unit for drop-in clinic times.
For more information on vaccinations and where to get your child immunized, visit http://www.fraserhealth.ca/your_health/immunizations/.
Resources to assist you in keeping track of your child’s immunization schedule:
- Sign up for free text reminders for your child’s next scheduled vaccine.
- Download the ImmunizeCA App for your iPhone, Android or Blackberry device.
- Download the Child Health Passport, or ask for one at your local Public Health office.