NIAGARA REGION
PRESS RELEASE
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Today, Public Health Ontario (PHO) released the Immunization Coverage Report for School Pupils in Ontario: 2017-18 School Year. The report presents immunization coverage for students across the province, allowing all Ontarians to monitor trends in vaccine uptake over time.
Students were assessed for a number of vaccines at ages seven, 12 and 17 years. Overall, immunization records for approximately 500,000 students were analysed. When compared, Niagara’s immunization coverage consistently meets or surpasses provincial averages in all immunization categories across all age groups. This means that Niagara’s students are well-protected from outbreaks of infections such as measles, whooping cough, and meningococcal meningitis.
“Immunization is an integral part of protecting yourself and your loved ones from serious infectious diseases,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer of health and commissioner, Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services. “To maximize our ‘community immunity’ and protect against preventable-diseases, our Vaccine Preventable Diseases team conducts an annual review of Niagara student’s immunization records and notifies and supports families with missing or out-of-date vaccination information.”
Important tips to help keep your child’s vaccination record up to date:
- Check to see what vaccines your child requires and view the vaccination schedule
- Check your child’s vaccination record to ensure they are up to date (yellow card)
- Talk to and book an appointment with your health care provider
- General immunization clinics are also offered by Niagara Region Public Health
- Report all vaccines to Public Health by completing the online form or by calling 1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7425
Visit the Niagara Region Public Health vaccination page for more information.
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