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International Women’s Day
from Don’t Wait, Vaccinate! A Calendar to Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
by NCCIH-CCNSA
Vaccines are safe
Vaccines are safe and effective. Canada has a strict process to approve and monitor vaccines and how they are used. Vaccines are always checked regularly for safety, including tracking any side effects and reactions.
The vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.
DID YOU KNOW?
Immunization is the best way to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases at any age. Vaccines are safe and effective. They keep people’s immune systems strong!
8 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June © Credit: Tina Campbell
MARCH
Easter falls between March 22 and April 25
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 International Women’s Day
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 St. Patrick’s Day
18 19
20 Spring Equinox – First Day of Spring 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
9 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June
Immunizations are still needed today
Immunizations have helped stop the spread of many diseases. Some diseases – like polio and diphtheria – have almost completely disappeared in Canada.
If people do not get immunized, vaccine-preventable diseases will become more common again. Getting immunized helps to keep these diseases under control for everyone – for good.
© Credit: Belinda Daniels
DID YOU KNOW?
Over the last 60 years, vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical intervention.
10 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June
APRIL
Easter falls between March 22 and April 25
1 April Fool’s Day
22 Earth Day
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
11 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June
When should we get our vaccines?
Timing is very important when it comes to immunization. Vaccines work best when given on time, beginning when babies are still very young. Babies are most vulnerable to diseases under the age of 2 years.
Many vaccines are recommended in childhood to offer protection from a wide range of diseases. Some vaccines only protect for a certain number of years. Teenagers and adults need booster shots for some vaccines to continue to be protected. Some diseases only affect older children or adults (like HPV and shingles). Those vaccines may be offered at different life stages.
Teens and adults can get vaccine-preventable diseases if they missed some vaccines when they were children. Talk to your health care provider to make sure you are up to date with your vaccines. Having all your vaccines helps to keep you, your family, and community healthy.
DID YOU KNOW?
Children are best protected from vaccine-preventable diseases when they receive all doses of their vaccines on time.
12 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June © Credit: Dena McDonald
MAY
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May Victoria Day is celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25
1 New Year’s Day
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5
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National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples (MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+)
13 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June
How do we remember which vaccines we had and which ones we need?
Health care providers who give vaccines keep track of which vaccines they have given you. If you receive a vaccine from someone other than your main health care provider (or if you see many different health care providers), it is a good idea to keep track and share your records with your main health care provider (if you have one). You may need to show proof you received certain vaccines for travel, school or work. Young children usually need to prove they are fully vaccinated before starting daycare or school.
If you are not certain whether you need a vaccine or whether you have already had one kind, ask your health care provider at your next appointment. – they might have a record or make a recommendation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Getting vaccines at a young age will protect children in early childhood and throughout their lives. You can ask your health care provider for a record of your immunizations and your children’s.
© Credit: Gina Lollabridgida
14 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June
JUNE
June is National Indigenous History Month Father’s Day is the 3rd Sunday in June
21 National Indigenous People’s Day First Day of Summer
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
15 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June
Vaccines are important for good health
Vaccines are an important part of staying healthy. Learning the facts about vaccines can help parents, caregivers and other adults make informed decisions to protect children, youth, themselves and their communities.
DID YOU KNOW?
Breastfeeding offers some protection from diseases early in your child’s life, but that protection goes away very quickly once breastfeeding stops.
© Credit: iStockPhoto.com, ID 1371961623
16 Don’t wait, Vaccinate! Immunization for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and Communities 18-Month Perpetual Calendar – January to June
