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April 1, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"B.C. Restores C$25 Million Vaccination Program for Kids" Victoria Times Colonist (www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist)

(03/31/02) P. A4; Bermingham, John

In Canada, British Columbia's Health Planning Minister, Sindi Hawkins, has confirmed that a massive infant immunization program against chickenpox, pneumonia and meningitis is being ramped up again.  The original program developed by provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, had been scrapped earlier by the B.C. government in an effort to save C$25 million.  "Our government is now working with the provincial health officer to develop a prevention and wellness strategy, including ways in which we can incorporate new and emerging innovations, such as Conjugate C vaccine, which combats meningitis," Hawkins explained.

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