Innovative Medicines Canada – Atlantic – Recognizing National Immunization Awareness Week in Atlantic Canada

April 27, 2016 Innovative Medicines Canada – Atlantic – Recognizing National Immunization Awareness Week in Atlantic Canada Released this morning: Championing immunization is everyone’s business HALIFAX, April 27, 2016 /CNW/ – On the occasion of National Immunization Awareness Week (April 24 to 30, 2016), which coincides with both World Immunization Week (a declaration by the World Health Organization) as well as Vaccination Week in the Americas (a declaration by the Pan American Health Organization), Innovative Medicines Canada is reminding Canadians that they can be champions in the fight against diseases by getting vaccinated. Organizations from around the world this week are working to increase awareness about the importance of immunization for all ages. “It’s our responsibility, as part of our Canadian community, to get the facts about vaccines,” said Russell Williams, President, Innovative Medicines Canada. “According to the World Health Organization, 2 to 3 million deaths are averted worldwide each year thanks to vaccines, but an additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided. Our industry is focused on closing that immunization gap, and we commend the work of governments across Canada as they work towards this goal.” Since 2007, Atlantic Canada is home to the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) located at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Established to develop, implement, and evaluate vaccine technologies and vaccines for infectious diseases that have a significant impact on Canadian and global health and to train experts in these fields. The creation of the CCfV is a collaboration of Dalhousie University, the IWK Health Centre, and Nova Scotia Health Authority. The CCfV expanded in 2009 to include the Sanofi Pasteur Vaccine Challenge unit / Clinical Research Unit, a first of its kind in Canada, is a leading edge global v! accine research centre. The funding made possible by Innovative Medicines Canada member Sanofi Pasteur. Today, more than 25 infectious diseases are vaccine-preventable – not only in children, but also in adolescents, adults and travelers. Recognized as one of the greatest achievements in public health, immunization is key to protecting Canadians and has saved more lives in Canada than any other health initiative in 50 years. However, the benefits of these innovations are limited by the degree to which the population actually gets immunized. ABOUT INNOVATIVE MEDICINES CANADA Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members’ commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.   SOURCE Innovative Medicines Canada For further information: Sarah Douglas, Media Relations, Telephone: 613-883-7250, E-mail: [email protected] ]]>