Recent consequences in Alberta make immunization awareness more important than ever, health association urges

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 1, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and this year, Canadian Public Health Association is straight to the point with its annual theme.

This year’s message, “Don’t let history repeat itself. Protect your future. Get immunized,” directly addresses the very real risks of choosing not to vaccinate.

“Not that many decades ago, there was no way to protect yourself from devastating diseases such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria and meningitis – or wildly contagious infections such as measles,” said CPHA. “Outcomes were inescapably tragic. Lifelong paralysis. Stillbirth. Neurodegenerative disease. Encephalitis. Even death.”

However, the introduction of vaccines has drastically changed many health outcomes, and as such, CPHA is reminding all Canadians of the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, as well as the importance of immunizations throughout the lifespan.

“In a world challenged by misinformation and uncertainty, vaccines remain one of our most trustworthy tools to protect our health and our future,” said Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, chair of Immunize Canada and a physician specializing in infectious diseases. “Empowering families, communities and health-care providers with trusted vaccine knowledge is essential to our shared commitment to protecting public health.”

Vaccine recommendations do change as new science emerges, which can sometimes make it challenging to know vaccines are needed or even available; adults and anyone who is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant may be unaware that they need to be immunized against certain diseases, or that they may need additional immunizations as they age and their health changes.

The reality is, says CPHA, vaccines aren’t just for kids: they’re for everyone, at every age.

In the midst of what has been the worst measles outbreak in more than 25 years, Pham-Huy stressed the importance of confidence in vaccines, as when that confidence fades, misinformation fills the gap.

“Maintaining high vaccination coverage is not just a personal choice – it’s a shared responsibility to protect our communities, especially the most vulnerable,” said Pham-Huy. “We must stand together – families, health-care providers, and communities – to uphold trust in science, stop the spread of misinformation and keep vaccine-preventable diseases away.”

Dr. Cora Constantinescu, vice chair of Immunize Canada and a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Alberta Children’s Hospital, also shared her thoughts and encouragement for those confident in immunization.

“You are the majority, and we hope that events such as National Immunization Awareness Month will empower you to use your individual voice,” said Constantinescu. “Speak up to encourage your family and friends to protect themselves and their children through immunizations. Your voices can spark a wave of community influence, which we need now more than ever, to achieve the crucial goal of community protection.”

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