The implications of not vaccinating children is among the topics at the Prevention Matters 2019 conference in Saskatoon.

The keynote speaker for the bi-annual three-day event beginning Wednesday at TCU Place is a Dalhousie University Paediatrics Professor specializing in infectious diseases.

Dr. Noni MacDonald is considered a leading advocate for child and youth health around the world. Her address to about 250 delegates working in health care, social services and education will focus on vaccine hesitancy and its repercussions.

Children who haven’t been vaccinated have been linked to recent outbreaks in measles and whopping cough as well as the risk of getting tetanus.

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute Executive Director Joelle Schaefer says other topics include alcohol, pre-natal health and access to Indigenous health in addition to simplifying the messages coming from the health industry.

(CJWW)