The local health unit is urging everyone to check the facts this National Immunization Awareness Week.
This week health units across the country are urging all Canadians to do their research when it comes to vaccinations. Amanda Pratt, Registered Practical Nurse with the Health Unit, says there can be a lot of misinformation on the internet about vaccines.
According to the Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit they track vaccine-preventable illnesses and negative side effects but keeping health care providers informed gives them more accurate information. They say if you believe you’ve experienced negative effects from a vaccination it is important to tell your health care provider so the country can build a safer and more effective vaccine program.
Health Unit Nurse Amanda Pratt says immunizations are safe and effective for people of all ages, adding that as more people are immunized the risk of illness for everyone decreases. Pratt says most vaccines are handled through health care providers.
She notes that some immunizations that are required through prescriptions can be administered by pharmacists, but these are speciality cases. Pratt adds that there are now immunizations for a number of illnesses, ranging from tetanus to the flu. More details about immunizations, like the science behind them, can be found here.