Communicable Disease Prevention

Public Health Services Reminds People that 
Immunizations Protect Everyone, No Matter What Your Age
Public Health Services is reminding people that Immunization is a Family Affair. "When most people think of getting a shot or a needle they often think of babies or seniors," says Judy Kelley, Public Health Nurse. "However, there are still diseases in the community that can affect people at any age and most can be prevented through immunization." Here are some examples.

Family Planning
Sam and Lucy are thinking about starting a family. After a visit to their family doctor, they realize their immunizations should be updated before thinking about the future. "Adults often don't realize that they should have a second dose of the MMR vaccine and documented immunity to chickenpox either through disease or vaccine, before thinking about becoming pregnant," says Mary Anderson, Nurse Practitioner with the District. "These vaccines are safe and effective in preventing diseases, that if contracted during pregnancy, can cause complications for both mom and baby." 

New Mom/Young Family
Erin is the proud new mother of baby Rory. After speaking with a Public Health Nurse, Erin realizes that Rory must have a series of immunizations before he reaches 18 months to ensure optimal health. "Babies are sometimes at risk of developing complications from an illness that may not be harmful to an adult, like Pertussis which is better known as whooping cough. To ensure infants get the best protection, they should be immunized at two, four, six, 12 and 18 months. Each time a baby is immunized they get more protection. That's why getting immunized on time is the best protection you can offer your baby. 

School Age
Maria is ready to start grade primary. Before she goes to school, Maria's parents are making sure her vaccines are up-to-date. "Before children start school, parents should make sure children have the shot to protect against Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR)," says Dr. Lynk. "Experience with the mumps outbreak a few years ago proved that we can never be too complacent when it comes to getting our children immunized." 

University
Noella is starting her first year of university in the fall. Being away from home for the first time is one thing, but getting sick with a disease like bacterial meningitis is something she wants to avoid. "Although most young adults are generally healthy, it doesn't mean they are immune to some of the diseases like bacterial meningitis," says Lorrie Hodder, Public Health Nurse. "University students often live in close quarters, which can be breeding grounds for some communicable diseases. To protect themselves from these diseases students should make sure they are protected before heading off to school."

Seniors
Mary is 68 years old. Although she gets her Flu shot each year, Mary has realized that she must also get a Pneumonia shot. Also, her immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (dTap) has diminished. Mary requires a booster shot of dTap. With a new grandchild on the way, Mary knows that what may be a cold for her could be fatal for an infant. As well, she is in the garden all spring so a tetanus shot may come in handy. 

For more information, visit Clinic Information or phone your local Public Health office. To view the provincial immunization schedules, visit www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/immunization.asp . 

Check out the links below to answer any questions about immunzation:

Immunization Q&A:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/vaccine-preventable-diseases.asp
http://immunize.ca/en/publications-resources/questions.aspx

Immunization schedules for adults and children:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/immunization.asp

Messages from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/iyc-vve/pgi-gpv/index-eng.php
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/iyc-vve/im-vid-eng.php
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/iyc-vve/pgi-gpv/pdf/brochure-eng.pdf

Additional Resources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7h0guC4utU&feature=player_embedded

http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/immunization/VaccineSafety.htm
http://www.pkids.org/
http://www.immunize.org/