Protect yourself and the people around you Written by: Michelle Parks, Supervisor, School Immunization Clinics, Ottawa Public Health
and hospitalizations In this case, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure... and more!
Every year, immunizations and vaccines save three million lives worldwide. Unfortunately, another 3 million lives are lost to vaccinepreventable diseases because individuals did not receive vaccines because of poor access, limited finances or misinformation.
Locally, Ottawa Public Health ensures that 19 publicly-funded vaccines are stored safely and made available to physicians and health care agencies in Ottawa. Most publicly-funded vaccines, including those recommended for adults, are available In North America, immunization programs through family physicians or at walk-in have been so successful that vaccine- clinics. Others are available at school and preventable diseases, such as polio, diphtheria, community clinics at various sites throughout mumps and measles, are rarely seen, leading the city. to complacency about the need to immunize. There is danger in this complacency. If April 21st 2012, marks Canadians continue to be under-immunized, it could take as little as two generations for the beginning of National the reappearance of these serious diseases. Québec has been dealing with a measles Immunization Awareness outbreak since April 2011 with over 750 cases Week in Canada. reported. Whether you are a parent, a young adult In Canada, immunization remains one of the or a senior, please participate in National most cost-effective public health measures. Immunization Awareness Week by checking Immunization costs are easily recovered with your health care provider to find out through the reduced need for medical care which vaccines are recommended for you
and your family, and most importantly, whether your family’s vaccines are up-to-date. Immunizations protect you and the people around you. To locate a walk-in clinic near you, or to find out which vaccines are available through school immunization clinics, contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613580-9656) or at healthsante@ottawa.ca, or visit ottawa.ca/health
Don’t over look your eyes Your eyes help keep you safe and independent, so it is important not to take your vision for granted. Submitted by: Seniors Ottawa Public Health
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If you are worried about the cost of having If you are not on OW or ODSP, but have a The best thing you can do to protect your low income and limited savings, you may be eyesight is to have an eye exam every year. an eye exam, this information may help: able to get help through the City of Ottawa’s Even if you don’t wear glasses or don’t think you have problems with your vision, an eye • If you are under 20 or over 65 years of age, Essential Health and Social Supports Program. you can get a free eye exam once a year. For more information on this program, call exam every year is an important check-up. 613-560-6000. As you get older, dryness, sensitivity to glare, and trouble reading small print are all normal • If you are 20 - 64 years of age and have diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts or other medichanges to your eyes. But, there are also more cal problems you can have a free eye exam serious eye conditions, like glaucoma and once a year. You can find a full list of the macular degeneration that can cause you to conditions at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/ lose your eyesight before you notice any warnenglish/public/pub/ohip/services.html or ing signs. Visit www.cnib.ca for more informayou can call ServiceOntario INFOline at tion on these conditions. For more information on 1-866-532-3161 or TTY 1-800-387-5559. protecting your vision and An eye exam can pick up these serious con• If you are on social assistance or disability ditions before you lose your vision. other health related topics, you can have an eye exam every 2 years for call the Ottawa Public Health free. • If you have your own private health insurance you may be covered for an eye exam. Speak to your insurance provider for details. You may also be able to get help to pay for your glasses. Talk to your case worker if you are on Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Information Line at 613-580-6744, TTY: 613-580-9656 or email us at healthsante@ottawa.ca. For more information about eye conditions, visit www.cnib.ca.
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