Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Youth Health Care (YHC), a section of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is currently preparing for its annual vaccination open house for Saturday, May 28.
Immunization is a way of protecting children against serious vaccine preventable diseases. Once a child or an adult has been fully vaccinated, their bodies can fight those diseases if one comes into contact with them.
The Open House will take place at YHC offices at the Vineyard Office Park, W.G. Buncamper Road #33 in Philipsburg from 9.30am to 5.00pm on Saturday.
The vaccination open house is part of YHC program tied to the annual Vaccination Week of the Americas under the theme, "Vaccinate your Family, Protect Your Community."
Parents are reminded that with the change in the vaccination schedule, the second Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) is now given at four-years of age.
All children between four and nine-years of age will now get their second MMR vaccine.
The DTPolio vaccination will continue to be given when the child is nine-years of age.
Other changes in the vaccination schedule apply to children between two and 12 months of age.
Parents are reminded to make sure that their children between the ages of 0-18 are up to date with their vaccinations which are necessary in order to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
DTP, MMR and catch-up Hepatitis B (Hep.B) vaccines will be given to children in the target age group who are not up to date.
The Cole Bay Outreach held on May 17 at the Charles L. Bell Primary School catered to 17 children who received DT/IPV, MMR and Hep.B and Pentaxim. Most of the children were up to date. YHC is considering carrying out outreaches in other neighborhoods.
Parents who will be going to the Open House on Saturday should bring along with them their child's vaccination booklet/card. If you are not sure of the vaccination status of your child, you should contact your general practitioner, pediatrician, or YHC for children up through 17 years of age.
YHC can also be contacted if you want to verify your own vaccination status by calling Tel. 542-3003, 542-2078 or 542-3553.
