Public Health Immunization Program                     

 

Childhood Immunization Clinics

Public Health Nurses offer childhood immunization clinics at all public health offices as well as in some rural communities at other health care facilities.  It is recommended that all infants and children in New Brunswick be immunized following the routine schedule. Immunizations offered include Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping cough), Polio, Haemophilus Influenza type B, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal, Meningitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German Measles), and Chicken pox.  A record of childhood immunizations is required when a child is registering for school in New Brunswick.  Public Health Nurses visit schools to check immunization records to see if students have received the required vaccines. 

High School and Middle School Immunization Clinics

Throughout the school year, Public Health Nurses conduct immunization clinics at all middle and high schools for students in grades 6, 9 and 12.  Students in grades 6 and 9 are offered a vaccine for protection against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Whooping cough).  Students in grade 9 are also offered a vaccine for protection against Meningitis.  Students in grade 12 are offered a vaccine for protection against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.  Information about the program is sent home to parents from the school. 

Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine Clinics

Starting in the fall 2007, Public Health is offering MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine to all individuals between 18 and 24 years of age and all post-secondary students born in 1970 or later. 

Communicable Disease Concerns

Public Health Nurses working in the immunization program also work with health professionals in the Communicable Disease program when there is an investigation involving a vaccine preventable disease.  This can involve offering vaccines to people who may have been exposed to a bacteria or virus that causes diseases such as meningitis, mumps, rabies or hepatitis.  Sometimes, it may involve conducting large immunization clinics to provide a vaccine to a large portion of the population.

Distribution of the Influenza Vaccine (publicly funded)

Public health distributes the annual publicly-funded flu vaccine to family physicians, community health centres and nursing homes in New Brunswick. 

Increasing Immunization Awareness and Knowledge

Public health also acts as a resource for the public as well as other professionals.  Public Health nurses are available to answer questions about immunization, provide current information and resources about immunization and vaccines. 

For more information about our services, please call the local Public Health office.  The contact numbers are below.

River Valley Health Public Health offices:

For lower St. John River valley including Oromocto, Chipman, Minto, Fredericton, Boiestown, Doaktown, McAdam and Harvey:
Tel: (506) 453-5200
Fax: (506) 444-5108

For upper St. John River Valley including Perth, Woodstock, Plaster Rock:
Tel: 1-888-829-6444
Fax: (506) 325-4724

For further information, check some of these helpful websites:

www.gnb.ca/0053/disprev/Immunization-e.asp             
New Brunswick
Department of Health

www.immunize.cpha.ca                                               
Canadian Coalition for Immunization

Awareness & Promotion

www.caringforkids.cps.ca                       
Paediatric Society

www.phac-aspc.gc.ca                                                 
Public Health Agency of Canada

www.canadian-health-network.ca                                
Canadian Health Network

 

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