FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18, 2015
Chong Urges Parents to Vaccinate Their Children
Recent measles outbreak demonstrates the necessity of vaccinating children
OTTAWA – Michael Chong, M.P. for Wellington-Halton Hills, made a statement in the House of Commons on Monday, urging Canadian parents to vaccinate their children.
“Dozens of new cases of measles have been reported over the last several weeks throughout North America,” Chong stated afterward. “These outbreaks are a direct result of parents not vaccinating their children.”
Measles are a highly infectious virus that spreads easily and can result in high fever and rashes. In some cases, it can result in severe complications including death. Other complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis, which can cause brain damage. Measles can also result in deafness.
A 2013 United Nations report found Canada’s immunization rate had dropped in recent decades to 84%, well below the 95% required for herd immunity, ranking 28th out of 29 industrialized nations. This drop in vaccinations is putting children and vulnerable persons at risk.
Older Canadians well remember the deaths and disabilities brought about by preventable diseases like polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and measles.
Much of the misinformation regarding vaccinations originated from a fraudulent report by Andrew Wakefield published in The Lancet in 1998 that falsely linked measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations to autism. That report was based on falsified information. Mr. Wakefield was stripped of his medical license and The Lancet issued a full retraction.
“Vaccines are safe and effective,” Chong stated. “I encourage all parents to consult with their family doctors to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.”
For more information on the measles virus and the available vaccination, please visit: : https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-12-measles-vaccine.html
Statement in the House of Commons February 16, 2014
Hon. Michael Chong (Wellington—Halton Hills, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, last weekend, health officials in Ontario confirmed three new cases of measles, bringing the total number to 11 in Ontario alone. These outbreaks are a direct result of parents not vaccinating their children.
A 2013 United Nations report found Canada’s immunization rate had dropped in recent decades to 84%, well below the 95% required for herd immunity, ranking 28th out of 29 industrialized nations. This drop in vaccinations is putting children and vulnerable persons at risk.
Older Canadians well remember the deaths and disabilities brought about by preventable diseases like polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and measles.
Vaccines are safe and effective. All three of my young children have been vaccinated, not just for their sake but for the sake of the young, the sick and the elderly in our community.
I encourage all parents to consult with their family doctors and to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at (866) 878-5556 or at michael.chong@parl.gc.ca