Ontario Pediatricians Urge Parents to Start 2019 by Emphasizing the 'V' in ResolVe to Update Vaccines so their Children Stay Healthy

Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario: Children's Specialists for Life

TORONTO, Jan. 3, 2019 /CNW/ - The Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario (PAO) is urging the provinces parents to make a special resolution to make sure their children under age 18 have their vaccines up-to-date for 2019.

"This is the perfect time of year to emphasize the "V in ResolVe" to update and schedule vaccines." said PAO President Dr. Hirotaka Yamashiro who urged every parent to recite:

"As caring parents, we resolVe for 2019 to ensure that vaccines for our children/youth are up-to-date so they will stay healthy. I will (a) find their yellow immunization card and (b) book an appointment to see my primary care pediatrician or family doctor if I'm not sure my yellow card is up to date, and (c) if I cannot find my yellow card, contact my doctor or local public health unit to make sure my child is up-to-date."

Vaccination is the best way to protect children/youth against many dangerous diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), rotavirus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, and human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

Dr. Yamashiro also pointed to a recent warning by the PAO about an unusual spike in pediatric pneumonia rippling across Ontario. "An early flu season is currently affecting children disproportionately and we urge parents to get a flu nasal spray vaccine for their kids if over age 2 and a needle if over 6 months of age." he said.

Parents wanting to know more about immunizations, the appropriate age-related vaccine schedule and a list of Ontario Health Units to contact for verifying their children/youth vaccine records can find information links at http://www.pedsontario.com/vaccines .

If parents have specific questions, they should contact their Public Health Unit or see their Pediatrician, Family Doctor, or Nurse Practitioner.

The PAO is comprised of Pediatricians throughout the province of Ontario. Its mission is to advocate for the health and well-being of Ontario children and be the representative voice of its pediatricians.

SOURCE Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario

For further information: Media: To request an interview with Dr. Hiro Yamashiro: [e-mail] or 647 244-4087 PAO news information is at http://pedsontario.com/News and @PedsOntario.