Expansions to Ontario’s publicly funded immunization program

 

On June 9, 2004, three new publicly funded vaccines were announced by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The Renfrew County and District Health Unit began the phased-in introduction of these vaccines on July 1. As of January 1, 2005, the new vaccines were added to the recommended schedule of immunizations for all children. 

 

One of the vaccines provided under the new funding is Pneumococcal Conjugate.  This vaccine protects children against invasive pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia (infection of the blood) and meningitis (infection of the brain). 

 

The Meningococcal Conjugate C vaccine is also available free of charge.  This vaccine protects children against invasive meningococcal disease including meningitis and infection of the blood. 

 

The third new vaccine to be funded is Varicella. This vaccine protects children from chickenpox, a common childhood disease, and its complications such as bacterial skin infections.

 

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit provides information about these vaccines, makes them available at immunization clinics, and distributes the vaccines to physicians’ offices.

 

Immunization of children is one of the most important aspects of maintaining health.  The introduction of these three new vaccines to the provincial immunization program will ensure that children no longer suffer the serious or fatal effects of these vaccine preventable diseases.