Health prevention programs like the Communicable Disease Program and the Pre/Post Natal Program (BBB) fall under the umbrella of community health nursing. We are very pleased to report that both of these pro-grams are doing well.

Immunization clinics are generally held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month but we have had extra clinics over the summer in order to do catch-up shots for the new pneumonia vaccine. Every child between 2 months and 5 years old is eligible for this vaccine and we are hoping that it will lessen the incidence of ear and chest infections over the winter months. If you haven't had your child immunized with this vaccine and/or would like to have more information please contact Julie Bishop or Pat Wyse.

Another addition to the vaccination schedule is the menin-gococcal vaccine, available for children whom are 1 yrs old. This means, when your child comes in for Mumps, Measles and Rubella they will receive this additional immunization. Meningococcal infection is caused by very common bacteria that can cause severe illness such as meningitis (an infection that affects the lining of the brain).

Building Better Babies

The BBB program dispenses between 65-90 food vouchers each month. This group is funded through the Canadian Pre-natal Nutrition Program, which promotes healthy maternal and infant nutrition and breastfeeding. The group meets every Monday afternoon 1-3:30pm and is designed to support pregnant women and families with children under 1 yrs of age. This summer we averaged about 20 people per session including babies, moms and dads. On behalf of the BBB program we would also like to offer a special word of appreciation and honor the moms, dads and babies who have participated in our program and have now moved on because their children have turned 1year. Thank you for your participation. You are awesome! We have enjoyed meeting you and watching your babies grow into strong and beautiful children, we wish you the best.

As flu season approaches be on the look out for flu clinic dates and times. We will be scheduling flu clinics sometime in November. Flu shots, generally, last for about 12 months and even only 4 months for Elders, so come in as soon as possible.