Back to School: Do you have a child in Grade 7?

Picture of teens smiling

  If so, you should receive immunization consents from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit the first week of school. This school year we will be providing Hepatitis B, Meningococcal and HPV immunizations to all Grade 7 students (boys and girls), as well as catching up any Grade 8 students who may have missed out. The process is simple – just sign the consent form … Read More

Is your child home-schooled?

Vaccine Letters

  They may qualify for free Hepatitis B, Meningococcal and Human Papillomavirus vaccines that are offered FREE to grade 7 students in Chatham-Kent. Nurses from the Public Health Unit visit each school and provide these vaccinations. They are not free from a Health Care Provider. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. There is no cure. The … Read More

Do you have a child enrolled in Daycare?

Children Silhoutte illustration

Did you know… Chatham-Kent Public Health is required by Ontario law to maintain immunization records for every child attending daycare and school. The Health Unit assesses immunization records to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. This is done to protect your child in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease. By law, these immunizations are mandatory: diphtheria, … Read More

Should I get the Shingles Vaccine?

Picture of senior getting needle

Herpes Zoster (Zostavax) vaccine is the best way to protect you from getting shingles. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting shingles by 50%. Only 1 dose is needed for optimal protection for 4-7 years; there is no need for a booster at this time. Zostavax is FREE for those individuals age 65-70 years old. Please contact your … Read More

Planning a Winter Vacation? Don’t Forget Your Travel Shots!

Image of Passport and Vaccinations

  It’s always exciting planning a trip. Your travel destination will have all kinds of new and fun things to do and so many different foods to taste. Keeping yourself healthy to enjoy all of these pleasures takes some planning too. Have you consulted a travel clinic about possible vaccinations or other medications that may be required for your trip? … Read More

Rotavirus Protection For Your Baby

Picture of mother checking baby in the crib

Rotavirus is a common virus that can cause watery diarrhea, fever and vomiting. It can be life threatening for infants and small children. Most children become affected by the virus at least once before the age of five. Ontario provides a free vaccine at age 2 and 4 months to prevent the virus. This vaccine is different from other vaccines … Read More