ImmunizeCA app helps people keep track of vaccinations

Ottawa Hospital researchers have developed a free app to help Canadians store, manage and access immunization information.

Dr.KumananWilsonof theOttawa Hospital Research Institutesaid the ImmunizeCAapp will also alert users if there's an issue in their area,such as the recent measles outbreak in Ottawa.

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"So that would be in the outbreak section, they would see how close they are to the where the report is," he said.

"They could see if their family is up to date. They may say, 'Oh, time to get Johnny vaccinated. It's time to get catch up the vaccine.'"

The app is privacy-protected and not accessible toany health agency.

It's meant toempower people to control their own health by helping themkeep track ofwhen vaccinations, boosters and flu shots are due, Wilson said.

Wilson saidthe concept could also be reworked forsimilar public health applications.

"So another place I think it could be really helpful is in blood donations. And I think the blood donor app would be a really great idea to do booking online for their appointments, track donations, be notified when they can donate again," he said.

The Public Health Agency of Canada funded the app. It'savailable to residents in every province.

ImmunizeCAcan be downloaded from iTunes, GooglePlay or BlackBerry World.