by Mariana Morales
Better protection against serious infectious diseases can mean more money in your pocket.
As part of its immunization program, the province will offer two new vaccines and increase the availability of two others.
There will be a new oral rotavirus vaccine that protects children from the rotavirus. This virus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Around 140,000 infants will benefit annually from the vaccine.
Around 36 per cent of Canadian children see a doctor with the rotavirus, while 15 per cent are found in the emergency room.
A combined Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccine will help with the amount of immunizations that children need. To better protect against chicken pox, a second childhood dose of varicella vaccine will be available.
There will also be a lifetime dose of pertussis (whooping cough which can be a disease passed on to children) vaccine to adults age 19-64.
It is part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to provide better access to health care services. It also provides improvement in quality and accountability for patients.
According to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long Term Care, Deb Matthews, it is their priority to make sure that children have the best start in life as possible. “Today’s announcement not only prevents serious childhood illnesses, but it also puts more money in the pocketbook of Ontario’s families.”
As a result of this announcement, Ontario families will save up to $350 per person. Thanks to the improvements in the vaccine program, since 2003 there have been five vaccines that are publically funded. Families will save more than $1400 per child.
Through its publically-funded immunization program, Ontario has 14 vaccines protecting against 17 diseases that are preventable. These new vaccines will be available from local health providers such as family doctors, nurse practitioners and public health units in August 2011.
Remember, it is important to keep an immunization record. They are needed when transferring to a school in another area, starting university or a job, receiving emergency health care, or travelling to other countries. You can get a yellow immunization card from your family doctor or local public health unit to keep a record of all shots and it is best to keep it updated.
For more information about these vaccines, diseases, and other health topics, talk to your family doctor or your local public health unit or visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.
Mariana Morales is a full-time student at Conestoga College studying Print Journalism. She enjoys photography and is a volunteer at the Snap KW newspaper. What makes her different? She loves video games. In her spare time, she writes articles for a gaming website called Hooked Gamers. She hopes one day to work in the video game industry.
