Check out our new secure online system for reporting your child’s immunizations to Chatham-Kent Public Health called ICON (Immunization Connect Ontario). You can also view your child’s current, overdue and upcoming immunizations. It’s like a yellow card, only better. Why should I use this site? It’s an online alternative to paper immunization records. It allows you to securely keep track of … Read More
March is Help Fight Liver Disease Month
You may be surprised to learn that there are over 100 types of liver disease. One type is viral Hepatitis. Caused by viruses that attack the liver, viral hepatitis comes in many forms. The most common of these are hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis A is spread by contaminated food and water. It is very common in some … Read More
Tuberculosis — Infection vs. Disease
Tuberculosis (TB) Infection and Tuberculosis Disease mean two very different things and they’re easily mixed up. So, what’s the difference between TB Infection and TB Disease? TB Infection (aka latent TB) Positive TB skin test but normal chest x-ray TB germ has entered the body but is not growing No symptoms Not contagious Risk of developing disease in the future May take … Read More
Concerned about Shingles? Free vaccine available!
The shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is available to adults age 50 years and older. This vaccine is covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) only for those aged 65-70 years old. For other age groups, there is a cost which may be covered by your insurance benefit plan. Shingles or herpes zoster is caused by the virus that causes chickenpox. … Read More
Have you reported your child’s shots to the health unit?
We work to reduce the risk of infectious diseases within our schools and we are currently doing our annual review of student immunization records. You may have received a notice from the health unit requesting missing information be reported to us. If we have not received the requested information — your child may be withheld from school. It is your responsibility, as … Read More
It’s not too late…
…to get your flu shot!! Influenza (flu) shots are still available from your health care provider, local walk-in clinic and many participating pharmacies (for those over 5yrs of age) throughout the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Appointments are also available at WISH Clinic Services: Call: 519.355.1071 ext. 5900 to book a date/time. For more information click here.
High School Students: Are You Up to Date?
Caution: This video contains science 🙂 Often when we think of vaccines, we think of our baby and childhood shots. We forget that in order to keep that same level of protection that we enjoyed as children, we occasionally need booster doses. Tetanus booster shots are required every ten years for all teens and adults. The Tdap (Adacel) shot provided to adolescents … Read More
Require shots for school? Contact us — We can help.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has mailed suspension letters for elementary and high students whose immunization records remain incomplete. The letters contain what information is missing and how to update the health unit to ensure your child can remain in school. April 2, 2019 is suspension day and only the health unit can rescind the suspension not the school … Read More
Upcoming Immunization Clinic Dates for Students
In order to protect children against vaccine preventable disease, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is mandated by the Ontario Immunization of School Pupils Act to collect vaccine information from each student enrolled in school. If the Health Unit does not have the required immunization information or a valid exemption, then you have been issued an Order for Suspension from … Read More
Need to Report Your Child’s Shots? — ICON
Check out our new secure online system for reporting your child’s immunizations to Chatham-Kent Public Health called ICON (Immunization Connect Ontario). You can also view your child’s current, overdue and upcoming immunizations. It’s like a yellow card, only better. Why should I use this site? It’s an online alternative to paper immunization records. It allows you to securely keep track of … Read More
Taking a Trip? Don’t Forget Your Travel Shots!
While travelling, you may be at risk for a number of exotic illnesses that can be prevented by vaccination. As you age, your vaccine-acquired protection against many illnesses may decrease, and your risk of getting certain diseases may increase. Some countries may also require you to provide proof of certain vaccinations to cross their borders. Make sure you’ve read up … Read More
Where Can I Get My Flu Shot?
Getting your yearly flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting influenza. The vaccine arrived for public use in Chatham-Kent in October. Certain people are at a greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. Examples are older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions like asthma, diabetes or … Read More