Nov 13 – immunization clinic

Did you know that immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure?

As part of our Health and Wellness Fair on November 13, we will offer employees and students an opportunity to receive MMR and Td vaccinations on Campus.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella; which are viruses that are easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can become infected when you breathe in air or touch a surface contaminated with virus. The virus can also be spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva. The vaccine contains weakened forms of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses that do not cause disease. It is recommended that people born in 1970 or later get 2 doses of the vaccine.

The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by bacteria mostly found in the soil. When the bacteria enter the skin through a cut or scrape, they produce a poison that can cause painful tightening of muscles all over the body. Diphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat caused by diphtheria bacteria. The bacteria are spread through the air by people sneezing or coughing or by direct skin-to-skin contact. The disease can result in very severe breathing problems. It can also cause heart failure and paralysis. It is recommended that adults who have not been immunized or do not have a record of prior immunization should get the vaccine. Adults who were immunized when they were younger should also get a booster dose of the Td vaccine every 10 years.

These vaccines are the best way to protect against these serious and sometimes fatal diseases. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well (Reference: HealthLinkBC).

Both of these vaccines are approved by Health Canada and are free with your BC Services Card.

For more information on immunizations, visit ImmunizeBC.

People and Culture team