Immunization is critically important in the battle to prevent and control vaccine preventable diseases. Immunization is necessary for two reasons: 1) to protect the individual, and 2) to protect communities. Vaccines protect an entire population by preventing the spread of disease from one individual to another. The more people immunized, the less chance for diseases to circulate.
Vaccine Transportation
Northwestern Health Unit staff working in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program ensure that publicly funded vaccines are available to health care and medical clinic facilities in the NWHU catchment area so that all residents can receive the immunizations they need. Since vaccine is highly sensitive to temperature, Health Unit staff must ensure stringent temperature controls when shipping vaccines around the region.
Immunizations for Children
Public Health Nurses assess the immunization status of all children attending school or licensed day nurseries. They immunize school-aged children at School-Based Immunization Clinics. Parents may also make appointments to have their children immunized at Family Clinics held at local Northwestern Health Unit offices.
Immunization for the General Population
Adults and susceptible or high risk persons can receive immunizations, including influenza during flu season, by Public Health Nurses at Community-Based Immunization Clinics. Adults may also make appointments to receive their immunizations at Family Clinics held at local Northwestern Health Unit offices.
Travel Health and Immunizations
Public Health Nurses working for the Northwestern Health Unit research travel health information and find out which immunizations are required for travel to the country or region. They can also counsel travelers on how to protect themselves against tropical and other diseases that may be prevalent in the country they plan to visit. Since it can take up to 6 months for the delivery of an immunization series, it is strongly recommended that travellers call the NWHU to make an appointment with a Public Health Nurse well-ahead of their travel date to discuss their plans and possible immunizations or precautions required before leaving home.
Immunization Records
The Northwestern Health Unit keeps immunization records on children and adults in a computerized information system. For more information, call your local Northwestern Health Unit office.
VPD Hotline
For current information on immunization clinics offered by the Northwestern Health Unit, call 1-866-468-2240.