Latest news with #vaccinations
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Should childhood vaccinations be mandatory? Almost 70% of Canadians think so, according to a new poll
Social Sharing Measles cases are surging across Canada, so it might not come as a surprise that nearly 70 per cent of Canadians surveyed recently agreed that childhood vaccinations should be mandatory. The Angus Reid Institute polled nearly 1,700 Canadian adults online between May 20 and May. 23, asking them if proof of immunization should be required for kids to attend daycare or schools. Sixty-nine per cent said yes — an increase from last year, when only 55 per cent of respondents agreed that vaccinations should be mandatory for kids. Maxwell Smith, a bioethicist and associate professor at Western University's School of Health Studies, says the figure suggests mandating childhood vaccinations is not as divisive as once thought. "Given what we just experienced with COVID and controversies around vaccine mandates, I think this is why this figure is quite striking," he said. Canada is in the midst of the worst measles outbreak since the virus was declared eliminated back in 1998. Ontario remains the heart of the outbreak: Public Health Ontario said 1,938 people have gotten sick with measles so far in 2025. Smith says those numbers may have changed peoples' minds. "In these circumstances, where you have an unprecedented measles outbreak and you have the lives of children on the line, sometimes, that's the tipping point," he said. In Ontario and New Brunswick, proof of vaccination is already required for children to attend school. But parents can get an exemption in both provinces for medical, religious or philosophical reasons, as long as they fill out a form. In Ontario, they also have to watch a vaccine education video. Parents who sign an exemption must also agree to pull their kids out of school or daycare if there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. When asked if the government should rethink this policy as measles burns through pockets of unvaccinated communities, Premier Doug Ford said he can't make parents vaccinate their children. "How do you force someone? Do you grab their kid and start jabbing them with a needle?" he told reporters earlier this month. The Angus Reid poll also asked respondents how confident they were that their provincial governments could handle a measles outbreak. It found that 27 per cent of those surveyed in Ontario said they had no confidence at all. Respondents in Alberta had even less trust: 37 per cent of respondents said they had no confidence in their province's ability to respond to a measles outbreak — even as cases continue to climb in that province. So far this year, 628 Albertans have been diagnosed with measles. The survey only polled people in the 10 provinces and did not cover Nunavut, Northwest Territories or Yukon. Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population, but a randomized sample of the size of the Angus Reid poll would yield a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. WATCH | What you should know about measles: Measles: Understanding the most contagious preventable disease | About That 1 year ago Duration 10:16 There are early signals that measles — one of the world's most contagious but preventable diseases — may be spreading in parts of Canada. Andrew Chang breaks down the way the virus attacks the body and what makes it so contagious.
Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Times
What travel vaccines do I need for my trip? Everything you need to know
Few of us think about vaccinations before travel, but it can be crucial for certain destinations where the risk of infectious diseases is high. But far from just keeping us healthy, vaccinations can also form part of a country's entry requirements, especially for diseases such as yellow fever and polio where proof of vaccination is often needed. Vaccine requirements change over time, too. In the case of malaria, for example, the affected areas can shift. And then there's the fact that vaccinations aren't always straightforward. Depending on the vaccine, you might be fine with just one dose or you might need multiple doses over months. Here's what you need to know. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Before any travel abroad, check your routine immunisations are up to date, because many are common travel vaccines — such as tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and hepatitis B. Childhood vaccinations received will differ between age groups, as well as other factors, and some require boosters over time. For example, diphtheria has a recommended ten-yearly booster if travelling in high-risk areas. Hepatitis B hasn't always been a routine immunisation, so you may want to ask your GP about your status. Infections like hepatitis B are spread through bodily fluids, so sensible precautions should be taken with sexual encounters, medical procedures, tattoos and piercings. While not usually part of the routine schedule, hepatitis A and typhoid are such common recommendations worldwide that they're often worth getting for travel. All the above, plus cholera, are usually free on the NHS, but hepatitis B is only available to certain groups (you can expect to pay about £150 privately for a three-dose course). Covid-19 and seasonal flu jabs are also recommended, especially for those normally considered in an at-risk group — or, in some instances, travelling to crowded places such as festivals and religious or sporting events. Many common travel illnesses don't have vaccines, like the all-too-familiar travellers' diarrhoea, which most commonly presents after consuming contaminated food or water. Altitude sickness should be taken into account when visiting any destination above 2,400m. Vaccination isn't suitable or possible for a number of mosquito-borne diseases — however, there can be exceptions, for example if you've had a previous infection of dengue. Always research possible health risks and take appropriate precautions, including all-important travel insurance. Make sure any medications you take can be legally brought into your destination — some restrictions may surprise you. Most European pathogens are covered by UK routine vaccinations. Hepatitis A jabs are often recommended — it's spread through faeces, so thrives around poor sanitation and contaminated water. Several European countries pose a risk of rabies and the vaccine is usually given in three doses over four weeks, although this can be shortened where time is an issue. It costs about £200 for the course — but even then, the vaccine won't fully protect you. If you've been bitten, scratched or, in some cases, licked by an infected animal (bear in mind, its symptoms might not be present), seek immediate medical attention to prevent the fatal disease. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in northern, central and eastern Europe. Consider getting the vaccine for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, cycling or fishing, in at-risk countries. Three doses over 12 months — about £200 — offers full protection, but there's also an accelerated course, and boosters are encouraged. France, Spain and Italy have in recent years reported cases of dengue. This nasty mosquito-borne infection can be fatal and there's no vaccine (except in instances of previous infection). Cover up from dawn until dusk, and use insect repellents. • Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?• Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? Latest travel advice Vaccine recommendations vary greatly over huge continents like Asia. Beyond routine immunisations, typhoid and hepatitis A are the most common and both are free on the NHS. Typhoid is spread mainly through contaminated food and drink. Depending on trip duration and previous travel, some countries demand international certification of a recent polio booster; check requirements for Pakistan, India and Indonesia in particular. Though Asia doesn't have yellow fever, countries like India or Singapore may need to see vaccine proof if you're travelling from affected countries. A rabies vaccination is suggested for most destinations, including India, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Rabies risk is far higher in countries with lots of wild or stray animals — steer clear, however cute. The three-dose vaccine is expensive (about £200) but can save lives. Shots for tick-borne encephalitis (about £200) are suggested if undertaking outdoor activities in affected destinations. Certain at-risk travellers are advised to get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis (about £200 for a two-dose course) and cholera (free on the NHS) — depending on factors such as personal health, type of activities and duration of stay. In some regions, mosquitoes carry malaria, dengue and zika (which can cause birth defects). While there is little in the way of vaccines here, for malaria you can take antimalarial tablets; there's a wide variety available, with differing doses, prices and side effects. Most require a prescription, although they can be requested easily from pharmacies online without seeing your GP. This is the safer, preferred option when buying antimalarial tablets online, which could either be fakes or not the correct type you need for your travels. In general, insect and water precautions are advised across most Asian destinations. Pilgrims heading to haj or umra will need, among other requirements, proof of a meningococcal meningitis vaccine (about £60) given within the past three years, and no less than ten days before arrival. • Dubai travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?• Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka? Everything you need to know Africa is a massive continent with myriad vaccine recommendations — routine immunisations, hepatitis A and typhoid are a given. If staying longer than four weeks in many countries, a polio booster with international certification is advised. Africa has many wild and stray animals, so consider the three rabies doses for afflicted countries (about £200). Dogs, cats, bats and monkeys are prime candidates for carrying the disease. Many of the UK's favourite African destinations — Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Mauritius — don't suggest vaccines beyond these. Yellow fever sets Africa apart. Present in popular destinations such as Kenya and Uganda, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can turn deadly. Many countries will insist you carry your original vaccination certificate when travelling to, from or through affected countries (jabs cost about £70). Mosquitoes may also carry malaria, dengue and zika. Antimalarial tablets are advised in high-risk areas. Some African destinations, such as Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, experience meningococcal meningitis epidemics. Jabs cost about £60. Spread person to person through droplets, some meningitis forms are covered under routine immunisations, but boosters are often advised. Cholera vaccination may be recommended to certain at-risk travellers. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about 90 per cent of the world's schistosomiasis cases. It's caught when a parasite living in fresh water comes into contact with your skin, for example when swimming and bathing. So always be cautious with water and hygiene. • Morocco travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?• How to see gorillas in Rwanda: everything you need to know Routine immunisations, hepatitis A and typhoid are advised for South America. Like Africa, much of South America has yellow fever — so vaccination is a good idea (about £70). Be sure to carry proof with you, where needed, for entry and exit requirements. Mosquitoes may also spread malaria, zika and dengue, so cover up, wear repellent, and take antimalarial tablets in affected areas. Prolific wildlife and stray animals mean rabies vaccination is recommended for many South American countries (about £200). Even with three doses, you'll need urgent medical attention should risk of infection occur. Great swathes of South America are high altitude (above 2,400m), so beware of altitude sickness. • The otherworldly desert that's brilliant for stargazing• How to find the real 'Old World' Buenos Aires UK travellers to Canada and the US need only consider routine vaccinations, hepatitis A and altitude sickness. Rabies is rare, but you may want to consider the three-dose vaccine (about £200). Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for Caribbean and Central American destinations. Dengue and zika are prevalent across both regions, so protect against mosquito bites. Malaria is often low to no risk, but is present in some countries — for example, Honduras, where antimalarial tablets are advised for high-risk areas. The NHS recommends travellers consider the rabies vaccine for some Central American and Caribbean destinations, such as Panama and Cuba; and cholera for those who might be at-risk on Hispaniola. Panama and Trinidad & Tobago have yellow fever, so get a vaccine plus a certificate if travelling on to countries that demand them (about £70). Some Central American destinations have areas of high altitude. • Cuba travel guide• I've found the most beautiful train ride in America Australia and New Zealand are recommended the usual vaccines, and hepatitis A for at-risk travellers. Australia also suggests Japanese encephalitis shots for at-risk visitors (about £200), which is usually spread by mosquitoes in rural areas. Some Australian regions have dengue fever, so take the necessary precautions. Many Pacific Island destinations add hepatitis A and typhoid to recommended routine vaccines. Only Kiribati has rabies, and you should consider the vaccine. Mosquito-borne dengue is found across many islands, while destinations such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have zika. Take insect precautions to lower your risk of infection. Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have malaria, so antimalarial medications are advised. The latter two also have zika. It's recommended at-risk travellers get cholera and Japanese encephalitis vaccines for Papua New Guinea too. • Australia travel guide• New Zealand travel guide
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Joppa, ARL to host free pet wellness clinic Saturday morning
DES MOINES, Iowa — Joppa and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa are hosting a free wellness clinic for individuals aided by Joppa on Saturday. The clinic will run May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ARL Animal Services location, 1441 Harriet Street. Dogs and cats will have access to vaccinations and microchipping. Renaissance Faire starts Saturday at Sleepy Hollow The ARL says it hosts these events to ensure animals receive essential veterinary care, which helps keep pets with their families and out of the shelter. 'When we bring together the strengths of different organizations, we're able to maximize resources and extend our impact even more,' said Tom Colvin, ARL CEO. 'This clinic is about more than preventative pet care — it's about supporting the human-animal bond and keeping families together.' Saturday's clinic will be the second hosted by Joppa and the ARL. Nearly 50 pets were served during the first clinic in fall 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
