Vaccination coverage for First Nations communities
Vaccines work!
Some vaccine-preventable diseases have almost disappeared among First Nations.
Between 2011 and 2016:
- no new reported cases of measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and polioFootnote 1
- low number of reported cases of mumps, haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and invasive meningococcal diseaseFootnote 1
Without ongoing vaccination efforts, these diseases can become more common again.
Health care providers play an important role in achieving vaccination coverage goals for First Nations.
Canada’s goal by 2025:
95% of Canadian children will have received all recommended doses of childhood vaccinations on time.Footnote 2
The % of First Nations children who are fully vaccinated by the age of 2 years is within similar ranges as provincial and national estimates.Footnote 3
Between 2011 and 2016:
- Within 81-84%Footnote 4 - Measles, mumps and rubella
- Within 68-73%Footnote 4 - Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib
As health care providers you can contribute towards achieving higher vaccination coverage for First Nations by:
- keeping your vaccination practice and knowledge current
- reviewing client vaccination records at each health visit
- facilitating open discussion with clients about vaccination
- providing reliable vaccine resources to clients
Check out the First Nations vaccination resources for health care providers, parents, caregivers and communities:
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