How Is It Decided Which Age And Grade Gets The Vaccines Why One Grade And Not The Other
The recommended schedule is designed to protect children before they are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Many factors go into determining when immunizations are offered. The School Immunization Program is based on the optimal time for a person to be best protected, and this can be disease specific.
Scientific evidence is analyzed regularly to review the safety, effectiveness and cost of all immunization programs or new immunizations that may be available. Those factors, along with competing provincial priorities, can affect eligibility of vaccines for one population or age group over another.
Community Immunity And Disease Prevention
The more people who are vaccinated in the community, the lower the risk of infection for those who:
- aren’t vaccinated
- developed only partial immunity from the vaccine
This means that when your child is vaccinated, you protect them as well as those around them.
Community immunity helps protect those at high risk of developing disease and severe complications or death, such as:
- adults 65 years of age and older
- infants and children too young to be fully vaccinated
- people with health conditions that affect their immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer
How Do I Know Which Vaccines My Kids Need
I’ve heard so much lately about new vaccines, but I’m reluctant to get my son any shots that he doesn’t really need. How do I know which ones he really should get? Graham
To protect them from many serious and life-threatening diseases, kids should get all the vaccinations recommended for them by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health experts.
Vaccines are given on a schedule. Kids get each vaccine when they’re at highest risk for getting sick from that disease. Choosing not to vaccinate, only getting some of the recommended vaccines, or delaying a vaccination all can put a child at risk.
Some parents worry about the safety of vaccines. But new vaccines are licensed and recommended only after being thoroughly studied. Safety monitoring continues even after a vaccine has been approved so researchers make sure that only safe vaccines stay on the market.
If the cost of vaccines are a concern, talk to your doctor. The U.S. government’s Vaccines for Children program makes it possible for many children to get vaccines even if their families can’t pay. Kids can also get inexpensive or free vaccines through local public health clinics or community health centers.
If you have questions or concerns about which vaccines your son needs, talk to your doctor.
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Preparing For Your Child’s Immunisation
When you take your child for each vaccination, it important to take your child’s My Health and Development Record or your child’s health record booklet, so that the doctor, nurse or health worker can record your child’s visit. These records are an important reminder of when your child’s next immunisations are due and which children in the family are immunised.
There is also the option of setting up an eHealth record for your child and downloading the My Child’s eHealth Record app.
Before the immunisation, you need to tell the doctor or nurse if your child:
Why Do The Recommendations On What Vaccines To Get Change So Often

Immunization is an area of science that is constantly undergoing research and where new products are developed or improved. New evidence and improvements in immunization technology can result in changes to immunization programs. All changes that Manitoba makes to the immunization program are based on evidence, approved by Health Canada and reviewed by vaccine expert committees, such as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
Canadian networks watch for changes in how often many infectious diseases are occurring within Canada and throughout the world. If diseases begin to occur even with a particular immunization program in place, the network responds by adjusting the immunization programs appropriately.
A real world example of program changes is the historical use of seat belts. Many years ago there was no law requiring the use of seat belts. After analysis of the evidence, number of deaths, and best practice evidence it was identified that in order to best protect people in motorized vehicles, seat belts were required. This change occurred over time and evolved to what is in place today where everyone is required to be in a seat belt and babies and toddlers must be in certified child and booster seats based on their age and size as per Manitoba Public Insurance and Government of Manitoba .
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What Can Happen When A Child Isnt Immunised
Due to the high number of children receiving vaccinations in Northern Ireland over the past couple of decades, many serious childhood infectious diseases have disappeared altogether, like diphtheria, polio or tetanus or been dramatically reduced, such as measles and whooping cough.
In some countries it is more difficult to receive vaccines and as a result more people die from infectious diseases every year.
Unless vaccine uptake remains high in Northern Ireland, many of these serious infectious diseases will return from parts of the world where they still occur. If this happens, then children living in Northern Ireland that are not vaccinated will be at risk of these infections, their complications and even death.
Concerns About Side Effects Of Immunisation
If a side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent or severe or if you are worried about yourself or your child’s condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital. Immunisation side effects may be reported to SAEFVIC, the Victorian vaccine safety service .
You can discuss with your immunisation provider how to report adverse events in other states or territories.
It is important to seek medical advice if you are unwell, as this may be due to other illness rather than because of the vaccination.
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When Are Meningococcal Vaccines Given
Vaccination with MenACWY is recommended:
- when kids are 11 or 12 years old, with a booster given at age 16
- for teens 1318 years old who haven’t been vaccinated yet
Those who have their first dose between the ages of 1315 should get a booster dose between the ages of 1618. Teens who get their first dose after age 16 won’t need a booster dose.
Kids and teens who are at higher risk for meningococcal disease need the full series of MenACWY vaccines, even if they’re younger than 11 years old. This includes kids who:
- live in or travel to countries where the disease is common
- are present during an outbreak of the disease
- have some kinds of immune disorders. If the immune disorders are chronic, these kids also need a booster dose a few years later, depending on their age at the first dose.
The sequence and dosage depends on the child’s age, medical condition, and vaccine brand. Some types of meningococcal vaccines can be given as early as 8 weeks of age.
Kids 10 years and older with these risk factors also should get the MenB vaccine. They’ll need 2 or 3 doses depending on the brand. They might need more booster doses as long as the risk factor remains.
For those without risk factors, the decision to receive the MenB vaccine should be made together by teens, their parents, and the doctor. For them, the preferred age range is 1618 years. Usually, they need 2 doses.
What Diseases Do Vaccines Prevent
Vaccines protect your child against serious illnesses like polio, which can cause paralysis measles, which can cause brain swelling and blindness and tetanus, which can cause painful muscle contractions and difficulty eating and breathing, especially in newborns. For a list of the most common vaccines and the diseases they prevent, see this list of the most common vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
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The Flu Shot: An Annual Immunization For Children Starting At 6 Months Old
The flu vaccine or influenza vaccine may be the most well-known of all immunizations. Thats because its one of the longest-running vaccines in the United States, with the first of its kind being approved for widespread use in 1945.
While influenza viruses circulate year-round, flu cases peak in the fall and winter months nearly every year. Flu shots help protect against the types of influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common that season. Thats why the CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone by the end of October including kids 6 months and older.
When children receive their first flu shot, the vaccine is delivered in two doses, given at least one month apart. After that first pair of doses, just one shot is needed each year.
Travelling With Children Or Dependents Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated
Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 who are accompanied by travellers who qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption:
- must follow all testing requirements for pre-entry, arrival and Day-8 tests
- are exempt from quarantine as long as they follow the public health requirements outlined in the handout provided at the border
This applies to unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, who are accompanying a parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who qualified as a fully vaccinated traveller when they entered Canada.
ArriveCAN: include unvaccinated children under the age of 12 as travellers in your submission. Once you fill out the form and successfully upload your proof of vaccination for family members over the age of 12, you will receive an ArriveCAN receipt for the border.
Unvaccinated youth aged 12 through 17 must follow all testing and quarantine requirements, whether or not they are accompanied by travellers who qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption.
ArriveCAN Warning: do not include unvaccinated dependent youth aged 12-17 in your ArriveCAN submission. Complete your submission without them so that you have a receipt for the rest of the group. You will be able to provide the information for the youth before boarding your flight or upon entry to Canada.
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Babies Who Should Not Have The 6
Most babies can have the 6-in-1 vaccine, but there are a few that should not, for example, those who:
- are allergic to the vaccine
- have a high temperature at the time of the vaccination appointment wait until they’ve recovered
- have a neurological problem thats getting worse, including poorly controlled epilepsy wait until theyve been seen by a specialist
The 6-in-1 vaccine should not be given to babies who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine, or a reaction to any part of the vaccine that may be present in trace amounts, such as neomycin, streptomycin or polymixin B.
There’s no need to postpone vaccination if your baby has a minor illness, such as a cough or a cold with no temperature.
If your baby has a history of fits or has had a fit within 72 hours of a previous dose of the vaccine, speak to your GP surgery, nurse or health visitor for advice.
Who Doesnt Need A Pre

Fully vaccinated travellers still have to provide pre-entry test results.
You must be prepared to quarantine for 14 days, in case you:
- are symptomatic
- dont meet the requirements for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption
A suitable quarantine plan must be entered into ArriveCAN in case you dont qualify for the exemption. You may be asked to explain your quarantine plan at the border.
You must use ArriveCAN up to 72 hours before your travel to enter your vaccination status and proof of vaccination, quarantine and travel information.
Exceptions
- People arriving by boat: you may use ArriveCAN to submit your proof of vaccination up to 72 hours before or when you enter Canada
- People with a disability, and other special circumstances may be exempt from using ArriveCAN
If you don’t provide the required information in ArriveCAN before arriving at the border, and you arent exempt from using ArriveCAN, you won’t be considered for the exemption, even if you meet all the other requirements.
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Why Do States Mandate K
Governments began to recognize the potential for diseases to spread among schoolchildren during smallpox outbreaks in the early 1800s. Today, all U.S. states impose K-12 school vaccine mandates.
“There has been a significant decline since 1980 with the initiation of vaccination for diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, and tetanus, a 92% decline in cases as well as 99% decline in deaths,” Villasuso, who also holds a DNP, explains. Smallpox, specifically, has been eradicated worldwide.
“It is important for students to be up to date on vaccines so that they do not become ill and do not spread diseases in the classroom, at home, or in the community,” Wilhelm emphasizes.
Can A Vaccine Cause My Baby To Get Sick
Vaccines are extremely safe and serious side effects are rare. Almost all sickness or discomfort after vaccination is minor and temporary, such as a soreness at the injection site or mild fever. These can often be controlled by taking over-the-counter pain medication as advised by a doctor, or applying a cold cloth to the injection site. If parents are concerned, they should contact their doctor or health care provider.
Extensive studies and research show that there is no evidence of a link between vaccines and autism.
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About Vaccines For Children
Children need immunisations against many diseases. This protects them while their immune systems are still developing, and prevents them from getting serious diseases. To confirm your childs specific needs, speak to your doctor or vaccination provider.
The information provided below is a general guide to immunisations for children.
Some recommended vaccines are funded through the National Immunisation Program , or state and territory programs. Other vaccines are available for some international travel, or in the event of specific or medical risk. You can also buy other vaccines privately with a prescription.
How Vaccines Are Given
Most vaccines are given by needle in the upper arm or thigh. Some vaccines, like the rotavirus vaccine, are given by mouth. There’s also a flu vaccine for children that’s sprayed into the nose.
Some vaccines are given separately. Others, like the MMR vaccine, protect against 3 diseases in one vaccine.
Your child’s immune system can learn from more than 1 vaccine at a time. For instance, babies can respond to 10,000 different antigens at any one time.
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Symptoms Appearing More Than 24 Hours Following Vaccination
If symptoms appear more than 24 hours following vaccination, it is unlikely that they are related to the vaccine. Refer to the COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool or call to discover the procedure to follow.
Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines may cause reactions within 5 to 12 days of vaccination. A child displaying these symptoms during that period must:
- stay home
- avoid contact with other people for.
During the 48-hour observation period, the people living with the child and who have had contact with the child may pursue their regular activities while taking into account public health measures.
If the symptoms lessen or disappear within 48 hours of their appearance, children may resume their regular activities if their health condition allows.
If the symptoms are still present 48 hours after their appearance, refer to the COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool or call . You could also see a health professional to find out whether the child must undergo a screening test or may resume their regular activities if their health condition allows.
These recommendations do not apply if the child has had contact with a person who has COVID-19. In such case, you must refer to the COVD-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool without taking into account vaccination.
To learn more about COVID-19, click on the link Coronavirus disease in Québec.
Measles Mumps And Rubella Vaccination
Routine vaccination
- 2-dose series at 1215 months, 46 years
- Dose 2 may be administered as early as 4 weeks after dose 1.
Catch-up vaccination
- Unvaccinated children and adolescents: 2-dose series at least 4 weeks apart
- The maximum age for use of MMRV is 12 years.
Special situations
International travel
- Infants age 611 months: 1 dose before departure revaccinate with 2-dose series at age 1215 months and dose 2 as early as 4 weeks later.
- Unvaccinated children age 12 months or older: 2-dose series at least 4 weeks apart before departure
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Why You Should Vaccinate
Infectious diseases can spread among children and adolescents at school who are not vaccinated. As a parent, you can keep your kids healthy with routine health care and vaccines. Make sure your school-age children are up-to-date with their vaccinations.
Infection from certain diseases can kill or seriously harm your child. Vaccines use weakened or killed virus or bacteria to trigger your childs natural immune response to provide long-term protection against a disease . It is like a rehearsal for the immune system, so your child is prepared if they are exposed to the “real” disease.
Vaccinations are safe
Vaccinations do not cause autism.
Scientific studies and reviews continue to show no relationship between vaccines and autism.
Some people wont develop immunity to a disease after being vaccinated, but the vaccine itself cannot infect someone. If a vaccinated individual does contract a disease which they were vaccinated against, their illness will be less severe.
Are There Any Reasons Not To Vaccinate My Child Especially During The Covid

Yes. There are times when some children should not get certain vaccines or they should wait. For example, if your child has any severe, life-threatening allergies, theyve had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of vaccines, or theyre moderately or severely ill, their doctor may recommend not getting or delaying a specific vaccination.
When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, you dont need to delay the immunizations or care your child needs unless of course you, your child or someone in your household is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
While staying on track with all immunizations is important, making sure your child has their annual flu shot will be especially important this year. As the pandemic continues, so too will the high amounts of time we spend at home and indoors where flu viruses can thrive during cold and dry winter weather. Flu shots are typically available starting in late August, and this year HealthPartners and Park Nicollet is offering both shot and FluMist options.
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