Canadian experts gather to address emerging issues in immunization

More than 800 physicians, nurses, public health experts and researchers are gathering in Montreal this week for the sixth Canadian Immunization Conference, running Dec. 5-8, 2004. The conference is being hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

The conference will provide an international overview on immunization and address emerging issues in the field, including the influence of information technology, the availability of new vaccines and vaccines for emergency response.

"Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of our times," said Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. "It saves more lives and prevents more suffering every day than any other medical intervention."

Today - with new technologies, emerging vaccines and higher demand for existing vaccines - Canada and other countries face a range of challenges to immunization.

"Immunization is a vital part of ensuring the health of Canada's children and youth," says Dr. Robin Walker, President of the Canadian Paediatric Society. "This conference is an excellent opportunity for experts to share information and discuss best practices in immunization that will help protect the health of Canadians."

Among the conference highlights:

• A session examining vaccines and emergency response, including a look at pandemic influenza vaccine development;
• Discussion on new vaccines and their application, including vaccines for adolescents;
• A look at current immunization programs and their success;
• Canadians on the Frontline: The contributions of Canadians in combatting childhood diseases through immunization in developing countries.

"We are facing a new era in immunization," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer overseeing the recently established Public Health Agency of Canada. "We need to work on an international level to address issues in immunization that will impact on the health and well-being of Canadians and citizens around the globe."

The Canadian Immunization Conference is held every two years to educate and inform health care providers on current issues in immunization and public health.