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Public Information Health Care Providers News Media Text Only Version |
What is immunization ? Immunizations, also called shots or needles, help save lives, prevent serious illnesses, and are recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions. Immunizations help the body make its own protection (or antibodies) against certain diseases. Immunizations are given against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB), measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Immunizations may also be given against hepatitis, influenza, chicken pox, meningococcal disease (meningitis) and pneumococcal disease (pneumonia). There are also a number of vaccines for other circumstances, for example people traveling to a country with diseases that are not common in Canada, such as typhoid fever. Why is immunization important ?
When children are immunized, their bodies make antibodies that fight specific infections. If they are not protected and come in contact with one of these infections, they may get very sick and potentially experience complications, or even die. How effective are vaccines ?
Vaccines are very effective in preventing disease when given as recommended. However, no vaccine will work for 100 per cent of the children who receive it. Studies of disease outbreaks show that although immunized children can develop the infection, the illness is often less severe. How safe are vaccines ?
All vaccines have to be tested to make sure they are both safe and effective. The most common side effects are mild pain, swelling and redness where the shot was given. Some infant vaccines may cause a low-grade fever (approximately 38°C) or fussiness for a day or two after the needle. Physicians may recommend acetaminophen to prevent fever and pain. Serious side effects from immunizations are rare. Please report any side effects or severe vaccine reactions to your doctor or nurse practitioner. You should always discuss the benefits and risks of any vaccine with your doctor or nurse practitioner. Is immunization required for attendance at school or day care in Ontario ?
For children attending school in Ontario, a written immunization record or proof of immunization is required, by law, for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella unless there is a valid written exemption. Parents/guardians are required to provide this information to their local public health unit, and to update the information as necessary. There are specific vaccines required for children attending licensed daycare centres. You should contact your local public health unit or check with your daycare centre, for the specific immunization requirements. You may decide because of medical, religious or philosophical reasons not to immunize your child. In this case, you will need to provide a valid written exemption to your local public health unit. If the disease appears in your child's school or daycare, your child may have to stay out of school/daycare until the disease is no longer present. Where to get immunized :
Call your doctor or nurse practitioner to make an appointment. If you don't have a health card, call your local public health unit to find out where you or your child can get immunized. When to get immunized :
Recommended routine immunizations begin at two months of age to protect infants from illnesses that can be very serious for them. The following chart outlines the schedule for publicly funded vaccines in Ontario available for children beginning their routine immunization in early infancy. Publicly Funded Routine Immunization Schedule for Children Beginning Immunization in Early Infancy
NOTE : The MMR and varicella vaccines are live virus vaccines. If not given on the same day, they must be given at least 28 days apart.
Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner for more information on these vaccines and the diseases they prevent. It is important to keep an immunization record.
Get a yellow immunization card from your doctor or local public health unit to keep a record of the shots. An up-to-date immunization record will prevent unnecessary extra shots. Written immunization records are needed when :
It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to provide immunization records for all school children to the local public health unit. Don't forget to update the health unit when/if your child gets another shot. Always remember :
Because of changes in the influenza strains, adults need an influenza shot each year. As well as a tetanus and diphtheria shot every 10 years throughout life, to be protected against these diseases. Thinking about getting pregnant ?
Be sure you are protected against rubella before pregnancy to protect your future baby from serious problems during its development. For further information about immunization, or any other health topics, please contact your local public health unit or doctor/nurse practitioner. Additional Immunization Links
Recommended Resources
To learn more about immunization, please visit your local bookstores or library for the following books :
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