SASKATCHEWAN CHILDREN BEING IMMUNIZED FOR CHICKEN POX

Released on January 12, 2005

Infants 12 months of age (born on or after January 1st, 2004) and grade six students are now being immunized against varicella disease, or chicken pox. The program started January 1st, 2005.

Varicella is the second of the three new vaccines being added over a six-month period to Saskatchewan's routine, publicly funded, childhood immunization program.

"Varicella vaccine is an important addition to our province's immunization program," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are improving the health of Saskatchewan children by protecting them from another vaccine-preventable illness."

It is estimated that Saskatchewan has approximately 13,000 cases of chicken pox per year.

"This program will ensure that chicken pox vaccine – not chicken pox infection – is the routine for Saskatchewan children," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Ross Findlater said. "Over the next few years, the rates of chicken pox illness and related hospitalizations should drop dramatically."

Meningococcal vaccine was introduced on October 1st, 2004 and pneumococcal vaccine will be introduced on April 1st, 2005. Meningococcal vaccine prevents bloodstream and brain infections due to meningococcal bacteria; varicella vaccine prevents chicken pox and its complications; pneumococcal vaccine prevents infections from pneumococcal bacteria that can cause bloodstream and middle ear infections, meningitis and pneumonia.

The three new vaccines will be given at the same time as current routine childhood vaccinations, and only at certain ages for each vaccine, as outlined in the attached chart.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberly Kratzig Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-2743