Between Us: An Interactive Talk on Vaccinations
On October 30th, the Lois Hole Women’s Society kicked off the newest season of Between Us lectures with a timely conversation on the topic of vaccinations.
We had the privilege of being joined by expert panelists Dr. Robyn Harrison, Clinical Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alberta and Chair of Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization; as well as Dr. Shannon MacDonald, Professor in Nursing, Adjunct Professor in Public Health at the University of Alberta, and Tier Two Canada Research Chair.
The engaging conversation unveiled the benefits of certain vaccinations during pregnancy, the surprising evidence that influenza vaccinations can also prevent heart attacks, and the interesting knowledge that certain vaccines even prevent cancer. It was noted how the pandemic has had an impact on coverage with many children missing routine school-based vaccines due to school closures.
Together, they took the audience through the powerful history of vaccinations and shared how vaccinations have reduced preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, and diphtheria by 99% and that others like polio have been nearly irradicated. They explained that vaccinations currently prevent 2-3 million deaths per year and by simply improving global coverage, we could increase this number by a further 1.5 million!
Watch the recording below to learn more about the history, current state, and possible future of vaccinations across all ages and stage of a woman’s life.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Alberta Blue Cross for making this lecture possible.