Grey Bruce has something to celebrate this week.
The counties have the third highest immunization rate for children between the ages 7 and 17 in the province during the 2007-08 school year.
Mary Lynn Barron — a Public Health Nurse for the Grey Bruce Health Unit who deals with vaccine preventable disease — says this is a stat to be proud of.
Barron says it is because of parents, staff at daycares, pre-schools and schools and all their cooperation with the health unit immunization rates are so good.
This week is National Immunization Awareness Week and Barron is bringing the importance of keeping all vaccinations up to date – whether it ourselves or our children.
Barron says with the gardening season here people are out in the garden its the time for adults to make sure they have their tetanus shot – every ten years is needed for that shot.
The shot that is now recommended for tetanus also covers pertussis — and Barron says although this dual shot is not covered by health care — it is a minimal cost and the shot is available at the Health Unit in Owen Sound.
Barron says immunization is very important as some of the diseases to be immunized against have made a resurface as of late.
Barron says there is also a need to make sure that your immunization is up to date if you are travelling out of country.
She adds that parents need to double check their children’s vaccination records and if there are any questions about if their child is up to date or if they have lost their immunization card they can give the Health Unit a call.
Barron says immunization clinics are being held Tuesday in Owen Sound at the Health Unit office and in Walkerton on the first and second Wednesday of the month and in Port Elgin on the second Wednesday of the month at the Plex.
She adds immunizations are always available at their family doctor.