By Emily Keller

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

AHS reminding parents to make sure children are up-to-date on immunizations

Aug 29, 2019 | 5:30 AM

Alberta Health Services is reminding parents to make sure their children are up to date on their immunizations as the school year begins.

“By following a routine immunization schedule, you and your child will be immunized against diseases at the safest and most effective ages and stages,” says Dr. Albert de Villiers, Medical Officer of Health, North Zone.

“This means you and your child will get the maximum possible protection.”

AHS provides free, routine immunization for infants and children who live in Alberta.

Dr. de Villiers says children need to continue to receive immunization boosters throughout the years.

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

“So from about age four, they can get their boosters because we all know the kids need to get vaccines when they’re little, but when they get to pre-school age there are some boosters they need to get to make sure that they’re still protected against diseases.”

AHS say at four years of age, children should receive the dTap-IPV and MMR-Var vaccines, which protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).

Dr. de Villiers also says up north, it is not often they see cases of diphtheria or tetanus, but they still do see other diseases such as chickenpox, and that it is still important people be up to date on immunizations.

“Unfortunately there are still some people that get really sick and end up in hospital, and then unfortunately some kids still die from that as well. So, it’s just to make sure all of those diseases are protected against, and it’s two easy shots and protects against all those diseases which is listed.”

Immunizations can be done at Grande Prairie Public Health, which is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for appointments.

Appointments can be made by calling 780-513-7500.

Questions about children’s immunization status can be directed to a public health nurse or by calling Health Link at 811.

Childhood routine immunization schedules can be found at immunizealberta.ca.