There's something lurking in the soil this gardening season - and most Canadians don't know it's there!

    -National survey shows 30 per cent of Canadians are not protected against
    tetanus and more than half aren't aware that tetanus bacteria are found
    in soil-

    OTTAWA, May 12 /CNW/ - With the May long weekend just around the corner,
many Canadians are gearing up for gardening season! But those who have not had
a tetanus booster in the last 10 years could be putting themselves at risk of
contracting this serious, potentially deadly disease. A recent Leger Marketing
survey found that while most Canadians are aware of the tetanus shot, three in
10 said they have not received a tetanus shot in more than 10 years. To help
people feel confident and protected while gardening this May long weekend, the
Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion (CCIAP) is calling
on all Canadians to check their immunization records, and to visit their
doctor or local clinic if they are due for a booster.
    "Although most of us know about tetanus, and understand the importance of
immunization, many people still don't realize that a booster dose is needed to
keep their protection up," said Dr. Bonnie Henry, Chair of the Canadian
Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion. "This disconnect shows that
there is still a great deal of work to be done in protecting Canadians from
diseases like tetanus. The tetanus booster is safe, effective, and free for
all Canadians; so there is really no reason why anyone should be unprotected."

    Check Your Immunization Record

    When asked about whether they had spoken to their physician or another
healthcare professional about immunizations, only 42 per cent of Canadians
said they had discussed immunization with their doctor in the past five years.
These findings reinforce the results of another recent Leger survey, which
found that six in 10 Canadian adults do not feel knowledgeable about
immunizations that are recommended for adults.
    "The numbers show that Canadians need access to information about
immunization from many sources. It's important to be informed, ask questions,
and keep a record, to ensure you stay protected over the long term," said
Dr. Susan Bowles, Vice Chair of the Canadian Coalition for Immunization
Awareness & Promotion. "With many Canadians kicking off the gardening season,
the May long weekend is a great time to check your immunization record, and to
visit your doctor or local clinic if you're due for a booster."

    Digging Deeper: The Facts on Tetanus

    Tetanus is an illness caused by a neurotoxin (or poison) made by bacteria
that block normal control of nerve reflexes in the spinal column. The bacteria
that make tetanus toxin are found naturally in soil, animal feces and dust,
and can also be found in compost and packaged potting mixtures you may have in
your garden. Tetanus bacteria usually enter the body through an open wound in
the skin, such as the kind you can get by cutting yourself on sharp gardening
tools or jagged objects buried in the dirt."

    Roll Up Your Sleeves and Protect Yourself

    Canadians should receive a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. Adults
more than 60 years of age are at increased risk of tetanus infection as they
may not have been immunized against the disease when they were younger, or
they may have simply forgotten to keep their immunization up-to-date with a
booster shot every 10 years. If you're not up-to-date, visit your doctor or
local health clinic, and ask for a free tetanus booster. Immigrants to Canada
may also be at risk as many would not have received tetanus immunization in
their country of origin and should check whether they need to receive full
immunization against tetanus.

    To avoid contracting tetanus in the garden or other outdoor locations,
follow these easy steps:

    Ensure that your immunization is up-to-date
    Get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years
    Wear gloves, protective clothing and footwear while gardening
    If you are injured, clean wounds thoroughly and immediately with soap and
    warm water

    About the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion

    The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion is a
coalition of 28 national organizations. Its mission is to contribute to the
control, elimination and eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases in Canada
by increasing awareness of the benefits and risks of immunization for all ages
via education, promotion, advocacy and media relations.

For further information: contact your local public health office, visit
the CCIAP web site at www.immunize.ca, which includes an adult immunization
guide, or contact: Laura Grice, MS&L, (416) 847-1319, Laura.Grice@mslpr.ca;
Mary Appleton, CCIAP, (613) 725-3769 ext. 139, immunize@cpha.ca