Vaccination Even More Important in COVID Times

TORONTO, Aug. 31, 2020 /CNW/ - As the province prepares for the new school year, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is reminding parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date.

When much of Ontario's economy shut down and people were asked to practice physical distancing, doctors' offices remained open and continued to provide vital services, including childhood vaccinations. However, many people were unaware their doctor was seeing patients in person or were concerned about visiting their doctor's office. As a result, many children may be behind on their scheduled vaccines.

"During COVID, doctors have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of parents bringing their children for routine vaccinations. Immunizations are crucial in preventing children and their communities from outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "To protect our most vulnerable we need to ensure that as many people as possible are vaccinated." 

Vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions in history. It has led to the elimination and control of diseases that were once common in Canada. Before vaccines, many Canadian children became severely ill or died from infectious diseases such as smallpox, polio, diphtheria, measles, and pertussis.

Vaccines are safe and they protect us all. All vaccines used in Canada are rigorously tested through multiple phases of trials before they are used. It is more likely that one becomes ill from a vaccine-preventable disease than from a vaccine. 

About the OMA 
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.  

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association