Message from Minister of Health

National Immunization Awareness Week

April 24 - May 1, 2010

Vaccines have saved more lives worldwide than any other health intervention in the past 100 years.

That's why the Government of Canada is proud to support National Immunization Awareness Week, which is dedicated to educating Canadians about the importance of immunization.

The theme for this year's National Immunization Awareness Week is Immunization Saves Lives. The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion is leading this campaign with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Last fall, the Government of Canada secured enough H1N1 flu virus vaccines to immunize every Canadian who needed or wanted it. Over 45 per cent of Canadians received the H1N1 vaccine, and this helped reduce the spread of the virus and decrease the risk of serious complications and death.

Our recent experience reminds us that immunization protects not only individual health but also the health of people in our community. The more people who are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases, the lower the risk of exposure to potentially life-threatening illnesses.

It is important to keep immunizations up-to-date throughout our lives. Recommended immunizations begin at two months of age and continue into adolescence and adulthood to provide ongoing protection.

In June 2009, the Public Health Agency of Canada launched an information campaign for new parents called  It's Time to Immunize. This offers parents clear, easy to understand information about immunization to help them make informed decisions about their children's health.Parents can access the  Parent's Guide to Immunization online or call 1 800 O Canada to order a paper copy.

Immunization is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your family from preventable diseases. I encourage you to take some time to review your family's immunization status and take the necessary steps to ensure you are protected.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada