"Parents in PEI are encouraged to take advantage of the vaccines being offered to their children in the province, including the hepatitis B program," said Dr. Lamont Sweet, Chief Health Officer. There has been some recent public concern about immunization programs for hepatitis B among adolescents. This follows the recent suspension of their adolescent program in France. There was some question in France of a possible relationship between the vaccine and some illness of the nervous system, particularly multiple sclerosis. However, no studies in France or anywhere else in the world have shown any connection between the vaccine and these illnesses.
Hepatitis B is a serious disease and, although PEI does not have an adolescent hepatitis B program, the vaccine has been offered to children in Grade 3 and infants for the past three years.
The World Health Organization has noted that hepatitis B vaccine programs are now underway in about 100 countries world wide. In spite of the concern in France, the WHO has recommended that all countries provide the vaccine to the public.
Fears about the possible ill effects of vaccines have been expressed commonly in the past and have included concerns about such vaccines as diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. These fears have resulted in some parents not accepting the vaccines for their children. However, immunizations have been the most useful means of preventing many diseases in children and adults.
However, no vaccine is given to children in this province without the consent of their parent or guardian. All are free to choose which vaccines they are willing to receive. Anyone wishing to obtain further information about any childhood immunization program may contact their local Public Health office for more information.