News Release Archive
HEALTH--IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM A BIG SUCCESS ------------------------------------------------------------ A new program to immunize children against Hepatitis B has been a great success, Health Minister Ron Stewart said today. More than 97 per cent of grade four children in the province, or more than 12,000 children, are being immunized against the viral infection. The province had set a target of reaching 90 per cent of the children in the first year of this annual program. "We are very pleased with the results of the immunization program," said Dr. Stewart. "I think schools, parents and public health staff should be congratulated for their outstanding efforts." The vaccine for Hepatitis B is administered in three doses and most of the province's grade four students have received their first dose. The second dose is being administered now and the third dose will be administered in the spring. Every year, grade four students will be asked to participate in the program. Some parents who were initially cautious about immunizing their children are now entering them in the program, Dr. Stewart said. Immunizing children against infections, including Hepatitis B, is preventive health care. The Hepatitis B vaccine is provided free of charge and is administered by public health nurses. Federal nurses administer the vaccine in aboriginal schools. Hepatitis B, a virus, can cause liver damage and scarring that may lead to the development of liver cancer. The virus is spread through bodily fluids. Immunizing children protects them against future infection. "The broad acceptance of the immunization campaign bodes well for its success in the future," said Dr. Stewart. The Hepatitis B immunization program was planned and put in place with the co-operation and support of the Department of Education and Culture, school boards, principals and teachers. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Dec. 12, 1995