December 3, 2006
For immediate release

WINNIPEG - Immunization experts from across Canada and the globe are gathering this week in Winnipeg for the 7th Canadian Immunization Conference running Dec. 3-6, 2006.

The conference brings together more than 950 leading authorities in immunization, including researchers, policy makers, medical experts and front-line workers, to share knowledge and expertise with colleagues and Canadians.

"Immunization is an important and successful public health measure that prevents disease and improves the health of Canadians," said Health Minister Tony Clement. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support collaborative efforts to enhance immunization programs in Canada."

"Immunization is the most effective investment we can make in the health of our citizens," said Parliamentary Secretary Steven Fletcher, "Immunization keeps our families healthy. If we can keep people from getting sick, we will reduce the burden on our health care system."

"This year's conference theme - Celebrating Immunization in Canada - is particularly relevant given the milestones we have achieved in recent years," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. "Canadian governments and public health organizations are working together to address current issues in immunization and this conference offers an excellent venue for productive discussion among our nation's experts."

Immunizations programs across Canada have been expanded in recent years following federal funding for the introduction of four recommended childhood vaccines -- pneumonia, meningitis, chicken pox and pertussis. All provinces and most territories have now implemented publicly funded immunizations programs for these new vaccines. Today, with the introduction of new programs, twice as many children are now protected from pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, chicken pox and whooping cough as there were in 2003. At the Canadian Immunization Conference, leading authorities in immunization join delegates to discuss topics including new vaccines and vaccine technologies, vaccines and the challenge of emerging infections, the impact of immunization programs, vaccine supply initiatives, and the National Immunization Strategy (NIS).

"This is the leading conference on immunization science and practice in Canada. Evidence presented at this conference will affect the health of Canadians," said Dr. Elinor Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Public Health Association. "Recent government investments have gone a long way to ensuring uniform coverage in Canada. We are pleased to be a partnering organization on advancing the cause of immunization in Canada and around the world."

"This conference is a welcome showcase for recent vaccine research in Canada and an excellent opportunity for researchers to interact" said Dr. David Scheifele, Chair of the Canadian Association for Immunization Research and Evaluation (CAIRE), a partner organization for the Conference.

The Canadian Immunization Conference is held every two years to educate and inform health care providers on current issues in immunization and public health. This year's conference is being hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Canadian Public Health Association, and the Canadian Association for Immunization Research and Evaluation.

"Bringing up-to-date immunization information to health care providers and physicians is essential for the safety of Canada's children and will be at the forefront of the conference," says Dr. Joanne Embree, Canadian Paediatric Society vice president and conference organizer.

Media Inquiries
Conference Media Room
(204) 957-4355

Elaine Krawchenko
Public Health Agency of Canada
(204) 792-5180

Olivia Craft
Canadian Paediatric Society
(613) 850-4868

Maureen Hartigan
Canadian Public Health Association
(613) 292-1051

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