Many people are not aware that they need to keep track of the immunizations (vaccines) that they and their family have throughout their life. This is a very important health record that each person has to keep. You can use the yellow immunization cards provided by your doctor or public health, use another notebook, spreadsheet or even your ipod. The most important thing is to keep a record.

Be sure to:

• keep your records in a safe place with your other personal medical information
• contact Public Health each time your child receives a new vaccination.

Public Health is required to assess and maintain immunization records of all children attending school under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

I urge parents to keep their child's immunizations up-to-date. In recent years, we have seen outbreaks of measles, whooping cough, and mumps in Wellington and Dufferin counties. These are vaccine preventable diseases that can, and do, circulate when immunization rates drop.

Diseases do not stop at borders. People can carry infectious diseases into Canada and spread them to un-vaccinated children. We can also protect those members of our community who can't have vaccines because of allergies or health problems. An unvaccinated child can spread disease to these vulnerable people.

If you have any questions or want to update your child's immunizations with Public Health, call us at 1-800-265-7293 or 519-846-2715 ext. 4652. Your help in making sure these records are complete and current is very much appreciated.