Your immunization record!

Your immunization record or "yellow card", keeps track of and lists all immunization shots you have received in the past. A complete and up-to-date yellow card becomes an important document. There are times when you will be asked for it, such as when you go for urgent or emergency treatment, when you register for school, summer camp, college, university, and more often now, when you are accepted for a new job. If you don't already have one, obtaining a yellow card is easily done, just ask your family doctor or call your local Public Health Unit.

Once you have obtained the card, you need to track down the information to record in it. Your doctor may have a record of shots you have received in the past, If not, call Public Health for help. They may have your record if you were a student in the area. If you are not originally from this area, they can give you some ideas about tracking the information down. When your record is complete, show it to your doctor to see if your immunizations are up to date. Maybe you are due for a booster. This is also a good opportunity to discuss whether some of the new vaccines, such as Hepatitis B and the flu shot, are for you.

If you are a parent, make sure that all your children's shots are recorded on their yellow card. Keeping the yellow card together with the Ontario Health Card is one way of making sure your children's documents are handy. It is a smart choice to keep your shots up to date and to have it on a record. No one wants to be injured and wondering, "Is my tetanus shot current?" Chances are you won't be able to rely on your memory.

Immunization plays an important role in protecting you and your community from preventable disease.

For more information, contact Public Health at 519-355-1071 ext. 5900 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca