Immunization is one of the most important ways to keep people and communities healthy. Vaccines safely provide the best protection against many serious illnesses.
Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) offers immunization clinics and influenza (flu) clinics to help protect you, your family and the larger community. SWPH provides immunizations in schools, including the Grade 7 immunization program.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines introduce a harmless part of a germ called an antigen into your body. The antigen helps your immune system create antibodies that will fight off the actual infection if it ever enters your body.
Vaccine myths and facts
Vaccines are safe and they are the best way to protect against many serious diseases. Learn more about vaccine myths and facts in Immunization: Get the Facts from Immunize Canada. Here are five vaccine myths explained:
Myth 1: Vaccines aren’t needed because infection rates are low enough
Many serious diseases that used to be common are rare because of vaccines. These diseases may still be common in other countries. They can come back when people travel, and when immunization rates go down. For example, there was a whooping cough outbreak here in Elgin County in 2011-2012.
Learn more about what would happen if we stopped vaccinations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Myth 2: Vaccines cause autism
Vaccines do not cause autism. This myth was based on one study published in 1997 which has since been proven wrong.
Myth 3: Infant immune systems can’t handle so many vaccines
Getting more than one vaccine at the same time does not overwhelm a child’s immune system. Children are exposed to millions of germs which their bodies take care of every day.
Myth 4: Vaccines contain unsafe toxins
Vaccine ingredients are found in items we use every day, and some are even found naturally in foods, our plants, or our bodies (i.e., formaldehyde, aluminum).
Myth 5: Natural immunity is better than immunity from vaccines
Although immunity from a disease can last longer than immunity from a vaccine, getting the disease can have long term or permanent consequences. Vaccines help your body build immunity safely, without the risk of getting very sick.
Travel immunization
Find out which travel vaccinations are recommended for the area you are travelling to from Health Canada. Consult your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your trip. SWPH does not provide travel clinics.