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Childhood Immunization – The Best Protection
How do they work?
To make immunization safer than getting the disease, the bacteria or virus is killed or weakened before being given as a vaccine. The immune system develops antibodies to fight the disease without causing illness. If the person contracts the disease, the body is prepared to fight the disease.
Are they safe?
Yes. Vaccines are very safe. There are rarely reasons not to get vaccinated. Serious problems after needles are rare.
- If your child had an allergic reaction to a vaccine (such as breathing problems, severe swelling of the throat or mouth), talk to your doctor before the child receives another shot.
- If your child is very sick when it’s time for a vaccine, talk to your doctor.
- Common reactions to vaccines
- Slight fever, mild pain, swelling and redness where the needle was given.
- Fever, with or without a rash may be seen seven to 10 days after having MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or Varicella vaccine.
- Ask your doctor what to give for fever or pain.
Is immunization required for attendance at school or day care in Ontario?
For children attending school in Ontario, a written (or proof of) immunization record is required by law for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and meningococcal disease unless there is a valid, written exemption.
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 day care, your child may have to stay out of school/day care until the disease is no longer present.
Parents/guardians are required to provide this information to their local public Health Unit and to update the information as necessary. You should contact your local public Health Unit or check with your day care centre for the specific immunization requirements
You may need an updated record for:
- Starting school.
- Transferring to another school.
- University or college.
- Camp.
- Employment.
- Emergency health care.
- Travel.
When their children are immunized parents can call the Health Unit at 519-426-6170 Ext. 3220 or 905-318-6623, or fax the record to 519-426-9974, or report online at hnhu.org’s immunization reporting.
Required Vaccines
Vaccine name | Description |
---|---|
D Diphtheria |
|
P Pertussis |
|
T Tetanus |
|
P Polio |
|
HiB Haemophilus Influenzae B |
|
Vaccine name | Description |
---|---|
M Measles |
|
M Mumps |
|
R Rubella |
|
Meningococcal
- 200-400 cases every year in Canada.
- Can cause a serious infection of the fluid and lining that covers the spinal column & brain (meningitis).
Varicella (chicken pox)
- Fever and red, raised, fluid-filled sores.
- Can cause pneumonia, swelling of the brain and flesh-eating disease.
MENC-ACWY-135
- Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitides bacteria that can lead to infections of the blood, and/or the covering of the brain and spinal cord. (Grade 7- 1 dose)
Recommended Vaccines
Hepatitis B
- A virus that can permanently damage your liver. (Grade 7- 2 doses)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Protects against 4 main types of HPV that cause genital warts and certain types of cancer. (Grade 8- 3 doses, school program presently only offers to females)
Pneumococcal
- 800 -1,000 cases of meningitis and blood infections each year in Canada.
- Causes several different infections, including meningitis, blood infections, lung infections and middle ear infections.
Influenza
- Caused by influenza A and B viruses and occurs every year.
- Influenza A, most common, can occur worldwide; influenza B occurs within a small area.
Rotavirus
- Causes inflammation of the intestines.
- Most children are infected with it at least once by age five.
Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario – August 2011
Schedule 1. Routine Schedule for Children beginning Immunization in Early Infancy
(Starting at age <12 mos.)
- *Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) must be given after the first birthday.
- Rotavirus vaccine – Given orally at six weeks of age and completed by 24 weeks of age.
- Priovix – Tetra (MMRV) measles, mumps, rubella (german measles) and varicella. Given 4-6 years of age.
- Prevnar 13 – A three dose schedule for healthy (low risk) children – 2 primary doses at 2 and 4 months of age and a booster at 12 months of age. For high risk children, refer to Prevnar 13 Eligibility Schedule (Table 2 & 4)
- Meningococal Vaccine is available for one year old or 12 year old children (grade seven).
- Influenza (flu) vaccine is available for all Ontario residents aged six months and older.