YOUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH B.C. expands immunization program


VICTORIA — Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious dis- ease. Starting Jan.1, 2012, three new vaccines will be added to the British Columbia child- hood immunization schedule, to ensure that children in B.C. get the most effective pro- tection possible from preventable diseases. The Province is expanding its current childhood immunization program to include rotavirus vaccine, a varicella (chickenpox) booster, and hepatitis A vaccine for Aboriginal children, both on- and off-re- serve. Total purchase costs for these vac- cines will be approximately $3.1 million per year.


The rotavirus vaccine is administered oral-


ly, and protects infants from diarrhoea and vomiting caused by the rotavirus. All infants born on or after Nov. 1, 2011 will be eligible. The first dose is administered at two months of age, followed by a second dose at four months. To help provide lifetime immunity against


chickenpox, a varicella booster dose has also been added to the immunization schedule. This booster has been recom-


mended by the Canadian Paediatric Society and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization as offering improved and longer lasting protection. Children get their first dose at 12 months. The second dose will now be offered to children at school en- try (four to six years of age). Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes an itchy blis- tering rash, but can also cause infections in any part of the body, including the brain. In addition, B.C. will now be offering he- patitis A vaccine to all Aboriginal infants and children.Although B.C.'s overall hepatitis A rates have declined over the past 15 years, outbreaks have continued to occur in Aboriginal communities. A targeted vacci- nation program for Aboriginal children will help prevent illness in this group. Hepatitis A affects the liver and can cause


fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vom- iting and yellow skin and eyes. It is easily spread through activities such as sharing of food and changing of diapers. The new additions to B.C.'s immunization schedule have been reviewed and recom- mended by the BC Communicable Disease Policy Advisory Committee and the BC


Create the family life you really want!


Immunization Committee.With these addi- tions, B.C. will continue to have one of the most comprehensive immunization pro- grams in Canada. “Each of these vaccines has been clini- cally proven to offer significant protection against potentially harmful diseases. By in- vesting in their prevention now, we can pre- vent pain, suffering and costs down the road,” said Dr. Perry Kendall, provincial health officer. — Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhoea and hospitalization for diar- rhoea in children under five years of age. — The first symptoms of rotavirus infec- tion are usually fever and vomiting, followed by diarrhoea and stomach pain. These symptoms appear one to three days after in- fection. Diarrhoea can last from four to eight days.


— Chickenpox is most common in chil- dren, but most people will get chickenpox at some point in their lives if they have not had the chickenpox vaccine.Even healthy chil- dren can have serious disease. Find out more at www.ImmunizeBC.ca.


PARENT PLACE


Parent Education and Support for Families


• Creative Playtime • ‘Parent Talk’ • Special Deliveries • Parent Education Courses


Parent Education Courses include:


• Step/Blended Families • 1,2,3,4 Parents! • Positive Discipline • Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP)


• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen... and More!!


Raising Respectful, Resourceful and Responsible Children Education, Consulting and Family Coaching


Teresa Bouchard, Reg OT BC 250.764.4402


Teresa@KelownaParenting.com www.KelownaParenting.com


Accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Families


“Loving staff and volunteers go way beyond the call of duty to help us look after ourselves and our little ones!”


parenting matters and meet with other moms and dads.”


“I always know it is a safe, nurturing environment where I can get help with


For more information call


The Bridge Youth & Family Services 1829 Chandler Street, Kelowna V1y 3Z2 info@thebridgeservices.ca www.thebridgeservices.ca


250-763-0456


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20