One-of-a-kind mobile app puts vaccination information in the hands of Canadians
March 21, 2014 (OTTAWA) – Can’t find little Johnny’s vaccination record? Can’t remember when you received your last vaccination? Not to worry. ImmunizeCA is a new, free, bilingual mobile app created to help Canadians and their families keep track of their immunizations.
“Recent outbreaks across Canada show us that infectious diseases can still be a threat if your vaccinations aren’t up to date,” said Ian Culbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Public Health Association. “It is imperative that we all maintain our vaccinations, from infancy to your senior years, and the ImmunizeCA app can help us, right at our fingertips.”
ImmunizeCA provides 24/7 access to vaccination schedules based on information specific to people’s home province or territory, and to reliable, expert-approved, bilingual information about vaccinations for children, adults and travelers. It also offers useful tools such as appointment reminders and local outbreak notifications.
ImmunizeCA was developed through a collaboration between the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA), Immunize Canada, and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. It is available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry operating systems.
“We’re really excited to release the ImmunizeCA app – designed specifically for Canadians. We think we’ve created an attractive, user-friendly way for people to manage their own health information, while providing simple but scientifically sound answers to many vaccine questions,” said Dr. Kumanan Wilson, senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a professor with the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine. “We hope Canadians find it to be a valuable tool for navigating this important aspect of their health.”
Based on a pilot version of the app, ImmunizeON, developed and released by the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute in 2012 and made available only in Ontario, the ImmunizeCA app requires only a single download, and its new interface is user friendly and provides quick and easy access to information for people on the go.
“Our Government is committed to investing in innovative technology. This mobile app can help Canadians make the best decisions about their families’ health. Canadians can keep track of their immunizations electronically and quickly access information from trusted sources,” said Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health. “We are proud to work with the Canadian Public Health Association, Immunize Canada and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and their partners, to help Canadians improve their health outcomes.”
The ImmunizeCA app is available for secure, free download at the App Store, Google Play and Blackberry World. All can be accessed online at immunize.ca/app.