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Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Immunization Can Help Prevent Disease

     Incidence of certain diseases can cause worry for parents of small children, the elderly and persons who have high risk medical conditions.

     Being up-to-date on your recommended immunizations is your best defense against acquiring some diseases.

     The following is recommended Immunization Schedule for Ontario Residents:

Influenza Prevention

     All residents of Ontario may now receive influenza vaccine free of charge.

     Those who are at-risk and most vulnerable from the flu should call their physicians for an appointment late in October or November.

• Adults and children with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders.

• Adults and children with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiency (HIV), immunosuppression and hemoglobinopathy.

• Children and adolescents (six months to 18 years) treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (A.S.A.).

• Adults over 65 years.

     The Health Unit will be having community clinics for healthy adults and children throughout the tri-county each November.

     Children carry and spread influenza in the community.  Protect your elderly family members by having your children immunized against the flu.

     Call the Health Unit for clinic times 1-800-660-5853 or 345-5685 and ask for Clinical Services or watch for advertisements in your local papers in October or November.

Washing Hands Can Help Prevent the Spread of Disease

     Hand-washing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of disease.

     Although it may seem basic, hand-washing is not always practiced.  Hand washing is especially important when handling food. 

     Washing hands should take 10-15 seconds and include the following steps:

• Wet hands with running water

• Apply soap in the middle of wet hands

• Lather well

• Use vigorous friction by rubbing the hands together.  Pay attention to your nails and between the fingers and thumbs

• Rinse hands thoroughly with running water

• Pat hands dry with a paper towel

• Turn water tap off with paper towel

     If running water is not available, follow the above steps using a pail of potable water.

     If a water source of any kind is not available, any liquid hand sanitizer sold at drug stores is recommended.