Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement Tuesday for National Immunization Awareness Week:

“Saturday marked the start of National Immunization Awareness Week, an opportunity to highlight the important role immunization plays in protecting our health and saving lives.

“The World Health Organization estimates that immunization prevents between two to three million deaths every year and has contributed to the reduction of illness and death in adults, children and vulnerable people around the world.

“When a majority of the people in a community are immunized against a disease, it greatly reduces the chances of the disease spreading. This helps protect people such as those who are too young to be immunized and people who cannot be immunized due to other reasons.

“Most recently, immunization has played a significant role in protecting us as a community, our families, children and Elders against COVID-19. We encourage all Yukoners to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters.

“Second COVID-19 boosters are now being offered to Yukoners who are 70 years of age or older, people who live in long-term care or other congregate living settings and to people who are immunocompromised.

“Your second booster appointment should be booked six months after your initial booster. We expect second boosters will be available to more Yukoners in the coming months, and I look forward to sharing more details as soon as they are conformed.

“Last year, due to COVID-19, the Whitehorse Health Centre was not able to offer vaccinations in schools. This year, Grade 7 and Grade 10 students can catch up and receive their recommended vaccines in school along with Grade 6 and Grade 9 students.

“This year, our Yukon vaccine program has expanded. The shingles vaccine and high-dose flu vaccine, which is significantly more effective in older adults, are now free to Yukoners 65 and up. The HPV vaccine coverage has also increased.

“This year, the Yukon earned the most improved overall score in the country in CanAge’s 2022 Adult Vaccination in Canada Cross-Country Report Card that evaluates how each province and territory is performing in adult vaccination.

“I would like to thank all the hard-working health professionals in the territory who have helped vaccinate Yukoners, and I applaud Yukoners in the taking steps needed to ensure our communities remain healthy and safe.”