By Ysabelle Tumaneng, General Member
Fall vaccinations are well underway. As a post-secondary student, I have learned about the importance of vaccination in my science classes and how it plays a crucial role in protecting individuals and the community. Vaccination is introducing a vaccine into the body to stimulate an immune response against a specific disease. By doing so, the body develops immunity to that disease without having to experience the symptoms of the illness. This protects the individual from getting sick and prevents the spread of the disease to others.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about vaccines, which can lead to vaccine hesitancy or even refusal. This is concerning because when individuals choose not to get vaccinated, they put themselves at not only risk but also those around them who may not be able to receive vaccines, such as individuals with weakened immune systems or allergies.
Healthcare providers and public health organizations across Canada work together to promote the importance of vaccination and provide education about vaccine safety and effectiveness. It is important to remember that vaccines have been extensively studied and are safe and effective in preventing infectious diseases.
As a student, I understand the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks of diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza. These diseases can spread quickly in schools and universities, leading to missed school days, hospitalizations, and even death. Vaccinations not only protect us as individuals but also help to keep our communities healthy.
In addition to the efforts of healthcare providers and public health organizations, non-profit organizations across Canada are also working to educate and promote vaccinations, particularly among youth, immigrants, and refugees. These organizations play a critical role in helping to ensure that these vulnerable populations have access to accurate information about vaccinations and can receive the necessary immunizations.
One such organization is the Canadian Centre for Immigrant and Refugee Health Care (CCIRHC), which provides healthcare services and education to immigrants and refugees in the Greater Toronto Area. CCIRHC works to increase awareness about vaccinations and to provide access to immunizations for individuals who may have difficulty navigating the healthcare system due to language or cultural barriers.
Another organization working to promote vaccinations among youth in Canada is the Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (YCSRR), which focuses on sexual and reproductive health education for young people. As part of their efforts, YCSRR provides education about the importance of vaccinations for preventable diseases such as HPV, meningitis, and hepatitis B.
In Vancouver, the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides a range of services to newcomers, including access to healthcare and immunizations. ISSofBC ensures that immigrants and refugees can receive the necessary vaccinations and have access to accurate information about the importance of immunizations.
In Montreal, the Association for the Health and Social Integration of Immigrants (AHSSI) works to improve the health and well-being of immigrants and refugees. AHSSI provides a range of services, including access to healthcare and education about the importance of vaccinations for preventable diseases.
These are just a few examples of the many non-profit organizations across Canada working to promote vaccinations and educate about the importance of immunizations. By working with healthcare providers and public health organizations, these organizations are helping to ensure that all Canadians have access to the information and services they need to protect themselves and their communities from preventable diseases.
By vaccinating, we can protect ourselves and those around us from preventable diseases. Let us all work together to promote vaccination and ensure the health and safety of our communities.
References:
The Public Health Agency of Canada has information about NIAW, including resources for healthcare providers and the public: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-immunization-awareness-week.html
Immunize Canada is a national partnership that promotes the importance of vaccination: https://immunize.ca/
The Canadian Immunization Guide provides information about vaccines, including recommendations for their use: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-1-key-immunization-information/page-1-introduction.html
The Canadian Paediatric Society has resources about vaccinations for children: https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/vaccination-protects-children
The Canadian Medical Association has a policy on vaccinations: https://policybase.cma.ca/documents/policypdf/PD19-01.pdf
The World Health Organization has information about vaccinations and vaccine-preventable diseases: https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has information about vaccinations in the workplace: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/vaccinations.html
The Canadian Nurses Association has information about vaccinations and the role of nurses in promoting immunization: https://cna-aiic.ca/-/media/cna/page-content/pdf-en/ps109_immunization_e.pdf
The Canadian Pharmacists Association has information about vaccinations and the role of pharmacists in promoting immunization: https://www.pharmacists.ca/cpha-ca/assets/File/cpha-on-the-issues/CPhA_Immunization_Position_EN.pdf