National Kids and Vaccines Day!

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH BAY, ON – On this National Kids and Vaccines Day, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is announcing new opportunities to get your children up-to-date on their routine vaccinations. This March, the Health Unit will hold clinics in North Bay and Parry Sound for individuals four to 18 years of age who are eligible for any routine vaccines, including: Diphtheria; Tetanus; Pertussis; MMR; Varicella; Meningococcal; Hepatitis B; HPV (exclusions apply); COVID-19 and Influenza. Clinic details are as follows:

North Bay

• Wednesday, March 15 at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (345 Oak St. W., North Bay) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parry Sound

• Thursday, March 16 at Parry Sound Mall (70 Joseph St., Parry Sound) from noon to 6 p.m.

The clinics are designed with an emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for youth. Eligible individuals who attend these clinics on March 15 or 16 may enter their name in a draw for a $100 gift card. Full terms and conditions can be found at myhealthunit.ca/VaccineContest.

Individuals two and older are reminded to wear a face covering at clinics and, if possible, bring a health card or another form of identification. Walk-ins are welcome, however, scheduled appointments are preferred and can be booked by calling 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5377.

Parents or caregivers wanting to learn more about routine vaccines can attend the ScienceUpFirst and Children’s Healthcare Canada free Kids and Vaccines Town Hall tonight (Feb. 23) at 8 p.m. Registration is available on the ScienceUpFirst website.

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Quick Facts:

• Parents/caregivers can review their child’s vaccination status online at www.myhealthunit.ca/VaccinationRecords or by calling the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808.
• HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the world and is the primary cause of cervical cancer in women. It is associated with throat, anal and penile cancers. Individuals are offered the HPV vaccine in Grade seven, so they have protection before ever being exposed to the virus.
• Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For many people, hepatitis B is a short-term illness. For others, it can become a long-term, chronic infection that can lead to serious, even life-threatening health issues such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
• If students do not receive the Hepatitis B or HPV vaccines while eligible through the publicly funded program, they may incur a cost of approximately $60 for the Hepatitis B series, and approximately $600 for the HPV series in the future.

Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca