News Release Archive
HEALTH--IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM A BIG SUCCESS
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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.
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Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025
trp Dec. 12, 1995