Alberta Routine Immunization Schedule
Chickenpox
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenza type B
Hepatitis B
Influenza
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Meningococcal Disease
Pneumococcal Disease
Immunization with vaccines provides protection against certain diseases. The vaccine helps the body make antibodies to fight infection.
Immunization helps keep individuals safe from diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. Without proper immunization, one individual who becomes ill can quickly pass a communicable disease to an entire community, if people are not protected by vaccination.
The following links contain information concerning specific vaccines and preventable diseases covered by the Alberta Immunization Program.
Chickenpox – a viral infection causes an itchy rash, which looks like water blisters. Most people recover without lasting effects but some people may develop complications. For example, if the blisters become infected, there may be scarring. The Chickenpox vaccine is provided for different age groups. For more information please contact your local health unit.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenza type B - These diseases can kill or disable large numbers of children. The vaccine for these five diseases are very effective and are usually combined in one needle. The vaccines are usually given in a series during infancy and childhood.
- DTaP-IPV-Hip (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenza type B) - CD005, April 2003
- DTaP-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio) - CD088, August 2005
- dTap (Diphtheria, tetanus and Pertussis) - CD085, August 2005
- Tetanus and Diphtheria booster - CD003, March 2002
Hepatitis B
- is a virus that affects the liver. It can cause permanent liver damage. Under the Alberta Immunization Program, Hepatitis B vaccine is provided in a series for Grade five students.
Influenza - is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. As with many other viral illnesses, there is no cure for influenza at the present time. While influenza can be mild in some people, in others it can be very serious -- contributing to the development of serious bacterial infections, such as pneumonia.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (or MMR) - are serious diseases that may cause complications such as vision or hearing loss, mental disabilities or heart defects. The Alberta Immunization program has been effective in dramatically reducing the number of outbreaks in Alberta. However these diseases are still common in other parts of the world and may return to Canada if high vaccine coverage rates are not maintained. The vaccines for these three diseases are usually combined in one needle given twice in childhood.
Meningococcal Disease - Meningococcal bacteria can cause two serious diseases, meningococcal meningitis (an inflammation or infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) or meningococcemia (a more serious infection of the blood & many parts of the body). A vaccine to prevent the most common strains of meningococcal bacteria is provided through the Alberta Immunization Program. It is provided in a series for babies during infancy.
Pneumococcal Disease - is caused by pneumococcal bacteria, of which there are 90 strains. Streptococcus Pneumoniae is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections in infants and children such as meningitis, serious blood infections and pneumonia. A vaccine provided through the Alberta Immunization program helps protect against the most common strains and will prevent 80-85% of invasive pneumococcal disease.
For additional information on any of these diseases or about immunization programs in general, please contact your local public health office.
- Spring 2004 
