UNews - immunization

A closer look at anti-vaccination sentiment

trevor.kenney — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 20:03:15 +0000

Some parents reject standard medical vaccines for their children, but little is known about their reasons. That is about to change thanks to a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate student who is studying the trend locally.

In her research, Jillian King has learned that the proportion of Albertans who are adequately immunized has consistently fallen below provincial targets for years.

Jillian King (BASc ’12, having previously completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and religious studies) is exploring the decisions of some families living in or near Lethbridge about whether or not to immunize their kids against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and other preventable infectious diseases. She is interested in the attitudes of pro- and anti-vaccination families, and in the biomedical alternatives being pursued by those in the latter group.

“This is something public health officials are concerned about, so I want to explore why parents are choosing to explore more natural ways of dealing with immune health as opposed to getting immunizations,” says King, who is now completing an Individualized Multi-Disciplinary Master of Arts degree with a concentration in anthropology and public health.

The research is one of the biggest academic projects of King’s education at the U of L. The Calgary native chose the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for its relatively small size and the opportunity to study away from home, and stayed because of the high-quality ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and supportive professors. It was an undergraduate anthropology course that first sparked her interest in medical anthropology, the study of human health, health care systems and biocultural adaptation. Now, her professor from that course, Dr. Steve Ferzacca, is overseeing her master’s research.

“He’s extremely supportive, and I’ve been getting a lot of useful guidance from him on how to develop and pursue this topic,” King says.

This cross-discipline interaction was facilitated by the university’s Institute for Child and Youth Studies, or I-CYS, a multidisciplinary research institution that promotes collaboration between those in the academic disciplines, such as: history, anthropology, literary studies, psychology, neuroscience, and education. King has been involved with I-CYS in several ways: she serves on its advisory committee; designed the institute’s website and newsletter; and has also organized “friendly feedback” sessions in which students can present their research projects to I-CYS faculty members to gain diverse insights.

“Being part of I-CYS has been really useful, because I’ve been able to learn from experienced professors from other disciplines, including those involved child immune studies,” King says. “I think we often get stuck in the thinking of our own disciplines, and being a part of I-CYS helps you think about your research from different perspectives.”

In her research, King has learned that the proportion of Albertans who are adequately immunized has consistently fallen below provincial targets for years. As well, the province still has cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, including whooping cough, invasive pneumococcal disease and invasive meningococcal disease. She plans to interview 20 parents of children under age 6 who either support or oppose immunization, and has so far spoken with 15. In some cases involving anti-vaccination parents, a health issue with a first child perceived as being caused by a vaccine prevented them from immunizing their additional children; others in this camp said they believe in the disease-fighting powers of natural interventions, such as chiropractic, vitamins and a healthy diet (she also wants to speak with families using naturopathy or acupuncture as alternatives). King is also studying conversations of pro- and anti-vaccination families in Facebook groups.

“I think there is a lot of misunderstanding and possibly misrepresentation about this issue,” says King, who graduates in January. “So I think it’s useful to have an understanding of the parental perceptions and practices, and to add an ethnographic perspective to the literature.”

Graduate student asking why some parents opt not to immunize their children

trevor.kenney — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 20:07:12 +0000

The proportion of Albertans who are adequately immunized has consistently fallen below provincial targets, leading a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate student to study why some parents choose to reject medical vaccines for their children.

King would like to see her research add something different to the literature on immunization choices that currently exists.

Jillian King (BSc ’12) is exploring the decisions of some families living in or near Lethbridge on whether or not to immunize their children against afflictions such as measles, mumps, rubella and other preventable infectious diseases. She is interested in the attitudes of both pro- and anti-vaccination families, as well as the biomedical alternatives being pursued by those who choose not to immunize.

“This is something that public health officials are concerned about, so I want to explore why parents are choosing to explore more natural ways of dealing with immune health as opposed to getting immunizations,” says King on the eve of the World Health Organization’s World Immunization Week (Apr. 24-30).

In her research, King, who works with supervisor Steve Ferzacca of the Deprtment of Anthropology, plans to interview a total of 20 parents of children under age 6 who either support or oppose immunization. Having already interviewed 15 parents, her preliminary findings have indicated that some parents who now oppose immunization have had a health issue with a first child that they perceive to have been caused by a vaccine, thus preventing them from immunizing subsequent children. Others have reported that they believe in the disease-fighting powers of natural interventions, such as chiropractic care, vitamins and a healthy diet.

“I think there is a lot of misunderstanding and possibly misrepresentation about this issue,” says King. “So I think it’s useful to have an understanding of the parental perceptions and practices, and to add an ethnographic perspective to the literature.”

King is completing an Individualized Multi-Disciplinary Master of Arts degree, having previously completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and religious studies. A Calgary native, her interest in medical anthropology was sparked by an undergraduate anthropology course. She now works closely with the U of L’s Institute for Child and Youth Studies (I-CYS) to bring a multidisciplinary approach to her research.

“Being part of I-CYS has been really useful, because I’ve been able to learn from experienced professors from other disciplines, including those involved with child immune studies,” says King. “I think we often get stuck in the thinking of our own disciplines, and being a part of I-CYS helps you think about your research from different perspectives.”

King would like to see her research add something different to the literature that currently exists. She plans to get at why parents are deciding whether or not to immunize their children, instead of merely identify the groups who don’t. She also plans to publish her findings in academic journals and will also disseminate her research in upcoming local and global academic conferences.

For more on research at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, follow this link.

Winter getaway must include health plan

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:44:17 +0000

By LORI WEBER

An inherent part of being Canadian seems to be dreaming of getting away from our cold winter weather to find a nice warm spot down south. Just remember, that in addition to sunscreen, cruise wear and a new pair of flip-flops, you have to think about maintaining your health while on vacation. And if you are considering travelling at Christmas or during spring break, your travel planning must start now!

A good place to start preparing for your trip begins at www.voyage.gc.ca, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website that gives you a lovely checklist (Before You Leave Canada) of reminders about the variety of concerns you need to address before leaving the country.

In terms of your health needs, plan to take extra copies of your prescriptions and medical certificates, and to bring extra medical supplies and even eyeglasses.

Travel immunizations are important and definitely need attention. Because health concerns are rapidly changing in some areas of the world, the best way to get travel health and immunization information is to book an appointment with the Travel Health Nurse at the Public Health office. While there is a cost for this consultation, this person has the most current information on the immunizations needed in your specific travel area.

At your immunization appointment, the nurse will ask where you are going and, using the latest information available from Center for Disease Control or World Health Organization, may direct you to a variety of injections, vaccinations or medication. Some of these medications will be available through Public Health and the nurse may direct other medications or vaccinations to be administered by your family doctor. The sooner you book your appointment the better as some vaccinations take several months to complete.

Do not show up at a physician's appointment expecting that a family physician will know what you need for a trip to an exotic locale.

As for cost, it is expected that you build the cost of public health travel advice, some medications/immunizations, doctor's visits and other charges into your vacation budget. You will be required to pay for all visits related to travel health (even your physician must charge YOU, not Alberta Health Care for your travel medication/immunization/health advice).

Example of costs you may encounter:

Public Health Travel Advice ($35.00)

Medications/Immunizations from Public Health (medication and costs depend on country and current outbreaks)

Physician visit, if needed for medication that Public Health cannot provide ($50-$150)

But remember, if you are travelling and getting away from minus temperatures for days of sun and sand – it will all be worth it!

Lori Weber is the manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre

This story first appeared in the December 2011 issue of the Legend. If you'd like to see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Students deliver program

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:27:52 +0000

A free Alberta Health Services program, Building Healthy Lifestyles (BHL), recently got some help from a team of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Sciences Nursing students.

Their term project involved raising awareness for the BHL program both on campus and in the greater community, as well as assisting with assorted wellness activities at the U of L that led to the enhanced awareness of the BHL program.

Among other efforts, the group secured more than $1,600 worth of advertising from HUTV, a service that produces advertising in hospital and healthcare facilities in southern Alberta. They also provided information at immunization clinics and independent living facilities, and assisted U of L wellness co-ordinator, Suzanne McIntosh, on several Wellness Lunch and Learn activities.

For a look at the full issue of the December Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Debating immunizations and vaccines

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:26:58 +0000

Myths and stories abound surrounding the hot topic of immunizations.

If you are looking to debunk some of the myths and try and understand the science of immunization, the presentation, Getting to the Point of Immunizations – Understanding the Evidence and Science Behind Vaccine, is an excellent opportunity.

This free community-focused event will be held Thursday, Apr. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, room PE250.

The evening is focused on providing health-care providers and the public with evidence-based information around the importance of immunizations.

Speakers from both Alberta Health Services and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will discuss topics such as:

- Immunizations and populations: The impact of vaccines

- The science of immunity - Effectiveness of vaccines, natural disease vs. vaccines, types of immunity, effects of disease vs. side effects of vaccine

- Breaking down the chemistry of vaccine

- Seeing both sides - Alternative perspectives

- The art of critical thinking - How to make an informed decision, risk assessment, evaluating evidence

- Mumps Measles Rubella (MMR) – Safe and effective

Participants will be invited to ask questions and engage in discussion with the speakers panel following the presentations.

Individuals representing groups with alternative views on this issue have been invited to participate but to date have not responded. In the interest of fairness, a number of common questions will be addressed relating to alternative views of vaccinations.

This event is free of charge and no registration is required.

Free seasonal flu vaccine to become available

trevor.kenney — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:30:24 +0000

As the Fall 2009 semester approaches, concerns are once again being raised regarding the spread of influenza at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The U of L Health Centre (403-329-2484 or health.centre@uleth.ca) continues to be a leader in disseminating information that addresses these concerns, whether it be seasonal influenza or the H1N1 virus. The latest development in tackling the spread of influenza comes in the form of a decree from the Alberta government that free seasonal influenza vaccine will be made available in October.

This fall, the Alberta government will offer a free seasonal influenza vaccine to all Albertans six months and older.

Immunization can be obtained through public health clinics and some physician offices and pharmacists beginning in October.

"This is something Alberta has been working toward for a number of years," says Ron Liepert, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness.

"It is a valuable investment in strengthening the public health system in Alberta, and is the best way of protecting Albertans from seasonal influenza viruses that we see every year."

Separate from the seasonal influenza vaccine, the province is also working on its plan to immunize Albertans against the H1N1 influenza virus sometime this fall. Details on that immunization program will be announced when available.

"Immunization continues to be our best defense against influenza," says Dr. André Corriveau, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"Whether you have underlying medical conditions that put you at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications or may be in contact with someone who does, it is important for all Albertans to get their flu shot to reduce transmission of the virus."

Additionally, individuals 65 years and over and those who are at high risk because of certain health problems are strongly advised to get the pneumococcal immunization as it may be beneficial in the prevention of both pneumonia and influenza-related diseases.

Clinic dates and locations are currently in the planning stage and Alberta Health Services will be announcing details in September.

For more information on Alberta's influenza immunization program, and other vaccines included in the province's routine immunization program, please visit http://www.health.alberta.ca and click on Health Information, then immunization.

Or, visit Health Link Alberta at http://www.healthlinkalberta.ca or call toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

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