A recent Ontario-focused survey looked at children's vaccinations and parents' priorities. The results of which suggest that when it comes to making the right choices, parents rely heavily on their family physicians to make the right choices about vaccinations for their children(81%) but they leave the doctors’ offices not knowing what their children have been vaccinated against.

Further results include:

- Three quarters of parents surveyed (72 per cent) indicate that they rely on their doctor to tell them when their children are due for vaccinations.

- Overall, parents think they are doing a great job when it comes to staying on top of their children’s health

- Virtually all parents think their children are up-to-date on their vaccines (92 per cent) but, almost half (46 per cent) admit that they don’t know if their children have been vaccinated against serious illnesses like pneumococcal disease.

Award winning author, public speaker, television personality and most importantly mother, Kathy Buckworth understands the constant challenges parents face when it comes to balancing areas like children’s health. We asked Kathy to reflect on the results of this survey.

How do you interpret this new information? What does the survey serve to do?

On the whole, parents in Ontario are doing a great job of managing their children's health. As a parent, with everything you have to deal with, especially with more than one child, it can be easy to forget where you are with your schdeuled vaccinations. This survey reminds you to look at those yellow cards and make sure that some of the main diseases are covered. This is a good reminder with the start of school. Kids are getting sick, it is a good time to get a check up and to ask the important questions.

Can you offer some practical tips to help parents ask the right questions?

Write your questions down as they occur to you. If you hear information you aren't sure about, check with your doctor. Your first source of information should be your doctor. As well, plan for this time of year, every year make an appointment with your child's doctor to get a health check and ask if there are any immunizations coming up. September is the new year for parents.

Why is this important?

I vaccinate my kids because I think it is important to do that. We are so busy with 4 kids it is easy to let this type of information slip past you and then when you hear something about catching something it can make you unsure. It is peace of mind - I check all my kids records. This survey is a good reminder - to make sure our kids are up-to-date.

How else can parents educate themselves?

Of course it is important to talk to your doctor but you can also go to the Ontario Public Health website; there you can find all the up-to-date schedules. There were recent changes made for children 5 and under so you want to make sure you are getting the right information. If you lost your yellow card, the doctor should have your information, or be able to get it from other physicians.

Why do you think parents don't ask the right questions?

It is a number of things: we can get frustrated with waiting in the waiting room and then you don't want to take up too much time; there is that sense that maybe that concern isn't serious enough. I recommend jotting down your questions and then letting the doctor know when you enter the room that you are going to ask 5 quesitons. You can also let the nurse know when you call to book the appointment so additional time can be offered to you. Don't be intimidated by the process.

How do you place this within the vaccination debate?

I have chosen to vaccinate my kids and I know this is a decision families have to come to for themselves. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor and come to the decision that is right for you. For those that have already chosen this, make sure you are up to date.

For more information on Kathy Buckworth visit www.kathybuckworth.com for more information on Ontario's Vaccination program visit the Ontario Public Health Website at www.opha.on.ca