More than 1,200 immunization experts gathered at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, Ontario from November 30 to December 3, 2008.This conference brought together non-governmental organizations, vaccine manufacturers, provincial and territorial immunization policy and program planners, as well as professionals from the many disciplines involved in the immunization field.
I attended this conference to gain a broader understanding of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). While I have a strong background in health promotion, additional skills building in the areas of HPV epidemiology and vaccine developments was a valuable tool for me to acquire.
I found the plenary sessions, special lectures, the exhibit hall and the posters from Grade 6 students who expressed their ideas about immunization and healthy children to be very informative.
I even had the opportunity to participate in a lunchtime workshop about best practices on “How to Pack a Vaccine Cooler Bag” during mass immunization clinics and appropriate tools for vaccine transportation.
During a walk through the exhibit hall during lunch, I also met Gerri the Giraffe (pictured above) who promotes immunization in Ottawa.
