Prairie North Health Region is bringing immunization into various neighbourhoods by launching a mobile clinic this summer.
Public health nurses will be at different locations throughout the the Battlefords offering immunization for children up to six years of age against diseases including tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), measles, mumps, chickenpox, meningitis and others.
"We are bringing our service to our clients," said Diane Piper, PNHR Manager of Public Health Service. "Our aim is to increase our childhood immunization rates by making our service more accessible and more top-of-mind for parents. They can bring their children who are up to and including six years of age to the Van to get their necessary vaccinations. They will not have to travel to our usual childhood immunization clinics at the Primary Health Centre in North Battleford," Piper added.
The region currently has one of the lowest immunization rates in the province for two-year-olds stating that the rate fell below 65 per cent in 2009-2010. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends 95 per cent of immunization coverage for children by the age of two.
Immunization is an essential primary health service that reduces the amount of disease in communities; lower the severity of illness and the frequency of hospitalization, and decreases health care costs, according to PNHR.
The "clinic" will be a clearly identifiable van marked with the region's logo, immunization signage and phone numbers and will include balloons and music to attract attention.
The service will be offered in designated neighbourhoods around 10 a.m. and move throughout the area until 4 p.m. Appointments are not necessary, though people can call ahead or text to 441-1364 to locate the van and arrange for vaccination.
The immunization van will be in the these neighbourhoods in North Battleford on the following dates: St. Laurent Drive (July 11), Fairview Heights (July 18), Connaught School (July 25), Central Park (afternoon of July 28), McKitrick School (Aug. 3), St. Mary's School (Aug.4), Kinsmen Park (Aug.8), Riverview (Aug.9) and in Battleford at 200 Block 21st Street, south of post office (July 20)
