Pharmacist Eric Lee of Clair, NB showing a petition with 300 signatures (Courtesy NB Pharmacists' Association)
Proposed legislation would make immunization mandatory in New Brunswick’s public schools and licensed daycare centres.
The provincial Pharmacists’ Association is applauding Bill 39 which is currently being reviewed by an all-party legislative committee.
Executive director Paul Blanchard says while about 76 percent of children entering school have their immunizations up to date, pharmacists feel that number should be even higher.
“Our members want us to reiterate that vaccines are safe. Immunization is really the best tool that you have to protect yourself and the population against these life threatening diseases. They are not be minimized or marginalized,” he says.
He notes how the recent measles outbreak in the Saint John region is a good example of why immunization is so important.
Blanchard adds the anti-vax movement still exists online and messages are being shared which are not factual and not based on science.
Pharmacists are gathering public support for stricter immunization requirements with petitions available to sign in many drug stores.
The standing committee on law amendments is reviewing Bill 39, An Act Respecting Proof of Immunization, and a public hearing is scheduled to begin on August 27th at the legislature.
Individuals or organizations who want to make a presentation to the committee should notify the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly by August 7th.
