April 26, 2011 - This year’s theme for National Immunization Week, April 23 - 30, is: Immunization Protects Everyone.

In the last 50 years, immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention which is why the Government of the Northwest Territories is urging residents to ensure their immunization records, and their children’s, are kept up-to-date.

“By immunizing yourself, you also protect others from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Minister of Health and Social Services, J. Michael Miltenberger. “Thanks to our hardworking frontline health care professionals who deliver our immunization programs, and our responsible residents who get immunized, the NWT has one of the highest immunization coverage rates – 75% – in all of Canada.”

One of the priorities in the Department of Health and Social Services action plan, A Foundation for Change, is to improve vaccination rates across the NWT and improve communication around diseases.

For more information, contact: