With schools opening their doors this week, public health officials in the region are making sure to remind the public about the importance of vaccines.

Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health Associate Medical Officer Matthew Tenenbaum says there are several illnesses that are common in children during the fall. He says measles and tetanus are just a few of the main sicknesses that are prevalent this time of year.

In the WDG region, as far as COVID vaccines are concerned, those who are up to date are in the minority. Photo, screenshot via WDG Public Health.

Tenenbaum added that many children and youth are behind on their vaccines as COVID-19 disrupted the healthcare system. He says he believes everyone getting caught up would be beneficial, be it on their COVID vaccines or other immunizations.

"That means they are unprotected or incompletely protected against these infections. That means, unfortunately we do see these infectious diseases like whooping cough pop up from time to time," Tenenbaum stated.

"We know that if we have more people who have completed their recommended immunizations, that's going to give them more protection more protections as individuals, and also help reduce the risk of those things transmitting in our community," he added.

Tenenbaum says Influenza is one of the crucial vaccines, as the illness does more damage than people realize.

Flu, WDG Public Health urges, can be deadly. Photo, screenshot via WDG Public Health, report.

"People can and do go to hospital with influenza, they can and do sometimes, unfortunately, die with flu," Tenenbaum said.

Per their website, "particular populations are strongly recommended to receive the vaccine due to complications and risks of severe disease or hospitalization.

In 2023/2024 these populations include:
• Children six months up to five years of age
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Adults and children with certain chronic health conditions"

"That's particularly risky for people who are very young or very old who have certain medical risk factors. Even if we're not in those higher risk groups, because we all interact with one another, if we have our flu shots, we're going to help protect ourselves, and those around us," he concluded.

Tenenbaum added WDG Public Health has a good gauge on what to expect this flu season after observing it on the southern hemisphere.

He urges the public to get their recommended COVID-19 and flu shots every fall now, stating it is something we “can and should do to protect ourselves and the community.”

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