ALBERTA – It's National Immunization Awareness week, and Primary Care Alberta (PCA) is encouraging Alberta parents and guardians to check if their children are up to date on their routine childhood immunizations.
With summer holidays approaching, followed by the start of a new school year, parents are reminded that routine immunizations are offered free of charge to all youth, children and infants who live in Alberta at your local public health or community health centre.
Choosing to follow the recommended routine immunization schedule gives your child more protection because they get vaccines at the most effective ages and stages. This builds immunity that lasts.
Vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles can be very dangerous, sometimes leading to serious, lifelong impacts. Measles cases and outbreaks continue to be identified throughout Alberta and this has led to many people becoming ill.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick is to get immunized. Immunization is effective and protects our communities.
If your child hasn't been immunized yet or they're not up to date on their immunizations, it's not too late to catch up. To check your children's immunization status or book an appointment, call Health Link at 811.
For more information about childhood immunizations, talk to your family physician, call Health Link at 811 or speak with a public health nurse. Accurate, evidence-based information is also available at primarycarealberta.ca/immunize. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child's primary care provider to determine the best immunization plan for their needs.
Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams. Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.
