New vaccination website counters misinformation for Alberta parents

Alberta Health Services is stepping up its efforts to get more children immunized by launching a new website to combat what health officials call misinformationabout vaccinations.

• Calgary measles cases spark vaccination discussion

ImmunizeAlberta.ca is designed to be a one-stop shop for parents, with everything from answers to safety questions to a downloadable vaccination schedule.

Dr. RichardMusto, a medical officer in Calgary, said serious diseases can resurfacewhen vaccination rates go down.

We saw that in Alberta last year where we had an outbreak of measles that was introduced by travellers from abroad. So we have to keep our guard up. We have to keep our children protected. and so this is getting that out in front of people to encourage them to vaccinate their children.

Mustosaid the website is designed as a one-stop shop for parents.

"Its important for us to get a good authoritative source out there that's friendly and quiteusable," he said.

Parents react

The website wascreated with feedback from parentsand includes information on clinic locations, as well as vaccination schedules.

Parent Sarah Roth, an advocate for immunization, hopes the new website helps change opinions.

"A lot of people have pretty strange idea on what immunization does, so it's good to get it out there.

JenniferScheibledelayed routine childhood vaccinations for her two young daughters.

"I just think that you know piling that many into them at one time is a lot. And I don't know its necessary," she said.