Why We Need Vaccines
Vaccines have successfully lowered the rates of disease in countries with strong vaccination programs.
Some of the diseases that vaccines prevent have no treatment or cure. These diseases can cause:
- severe illness
- disability
- death
Even with improved living conditions and modern hygiene, vaccines are still very important to prevent infections that could make your child very sick.
Some diseases are now rarely seen in Canada because of long-term high rates of vaccination in the population, including:
However, these diseases still exist in some countries, so people who live in them or travel to them may become infected. They can introduce and spread these diseases when they return to Canada. High rates of vaccination against these diseases help to prevent further spread and outbreaks.
The best way to protect your children’s health is to prevent these diseases in the first place by keeping their vaccinations up to date. Some examples include:
Measles
Measles is still a leading cause of death in children worldwide, with 89,780 cases in 2016. One person with measles can infect 12 to 18 people who haven’t had the vaccine.
Measles is a very contagious disease. You can catch it by walking into a room that an infected person sneezed in an hour before you entered.
Why Is It Important To Keep Track Of Your Child’s Vaccination
Proof of vaccination may be requested. In some parts of Canada, children need to have all of their vaccinations up to date before starting school or daycare. This is needed to help prevent the spread of serious diseases in these settings.
Also, your child’s vaccination history is helpful if you ever need to take your child to see another healthcare provider or travel outside of Canada.
Diphtheria Tetanus And Pertussis Vaccination
Routine vaccination
- 5-dose series at 2, 4, 6, 1518 months, 46 years
- Prospectively: Dose 4 may be administered as early as age 12 months if at least 6 months have elapsed since dose 3.
- Retrospectively: A 4th dose that was inadvertently administered as early as age 12 months may be counted if at least 4 months have elapsed since dose 3.
Catch-up vaccination
- Dose 5 is not necessary if dose 4 was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after dose 3.
- For other catch-up guidance, see Table 2.
Special situations
- Wound management in children less than age 7 years with history of 3 or more doses of tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine: For all wounds except clean and minor wounds, administer DTaP if more than 5 years since last dose of tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine. For detailed information, see www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/rr/rr6702a1.htm.
You May Like: Pertussis Vaccine Cvs
Tips For New Parents Out There
- The journey of parenthood is exciting but it sure does come with a whole lot of responsibilities. Youll almost always be on your toes juggling baby duties, with life around you moving at a pace faster than you had imagined. Thats why it becomes even more important for you to find new solutions to help with your parental duties.
- Amongst everything, one aspect that you have to pay some special attention to is your childs health. And your childs vaccinations, without a doubt, are extremely important for their wellbeing.
- You dont need to feel stressed about missing an appointment or running around for your pediatrician at the last moment. Theres an app that can truly help you all along. The ImmunifyMe App is a one-stop platform for all your childs health needs as it not only keeps a digitized copy of your childs health records but also sends you timely notifications for any of your childs upcoming vaccines.
- Your newborn is too small to understand the concept of vaccinations. Nevertheless, its still not going to be an easy process for them. As a parent, you need to be patient and extra supportive of your child even after they get their shots.
- Keep in mind that every child may react differently to the vaccine. Make sure you consult your pediatrician beforehand with any doubts or concerns. Know about vaccine precautions and what to expect so you can better prepare yourself.
Immunisations At 1 Year Of Age

Your child will need the combined Hib/MenC vaccine, PCV, and the MenB vaccine at 1 year of age to boost their protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b, meningococcal B and pneumococcal infections. These vaccines will help to protect your child through early childhood.
Your child will also have their first dose of MMR and MenC vaccine at this time to protect against measles, mumps and rubella and meningococcal C. Your child will need a second dose of MMR vaccine before starting school.
You May Like: Tdap Vaccine At Cvs
Can My Child Get The Covid
According to the CDC, your child may get other vaccines when they go in for their COVID shot without waiting 14 days between appointments. Flu shots can be given to children ages 6 months and older.
Get the CNET How To newsletter
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Your Baby Is Ill On The Day Of The Appointment
If your baby has a minor illness without a fever, such as a cold, they should have their immunisations as normal. If your baby is ill with a fever, put off the immunisation until they have recovered. This is to avoid the fever being associated with the vaccine, or the vaccine increasing the fever your child already has.
If your baby:
- has a bleeding disorder
- has had a fit not associated with fever
Speak to your doctor, practice nurse or health visitor before your child has any immunisation.
Also Check: Tdap Vaccine Cvs
Why Should I Vaccinate My Child At Such A Young Age
The vaccination schedule is designed to protect your child before they are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Children are vaccinated early in life because they are vulnerable to diseases and the consequences can be very serious. But if vaccinated on time, your child has the most protection as early as possible.
What Is A Delayed Immunization Schedule
The immunization schedule is the same for all children. However, there may be certain adjustments needed if your child has a weakened immune system, or if sheâs taking certain medications that may weaken her immune system.Your childâs healthcare provider will take into account your little oneâs entire medical history when determining whether to give or delay a specific vaccination. In some cases a shot can be delayed, or not given at all, if the healthcare provider thinks this is the safest course of action for your little one.
Don’t Miss: Tdap Shot At Cvs
What Happens At The Office Visit
During these early months, your doctor will check your baby’s progress and growth. Common parts of a checkup include:
- weight, length, and head circumference measurements that are plotted on your baby’s growth chart
- a physical exam with special attention to any previous problems
- assessing development
- questions about how you’re doing with your baby
- advice about feeding and other aspects of nutrition
- what to expect during the coming months, including a discussion about safety precautions
- immunizations during some visits
Bring up any questions you have, and write down the answers or specific instructions the doctor gives you. At home, update your baby’s medical record, tracking growth and any problems or illnesses.
Measles Mumps And Rubella Vaccine
Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine – given at 12 months
The MMR vaccine is a three-in-one needle that protects against measles, mumps and rubella . It should be given to children soon after their first birthday and a second dose at 4-6 years of age with the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine.
Immunization against measles, mumps and rubella is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario, unless exempted.
This vaccine should also be given to adults who are not protected against measles, mumps or rubella. Pregnant women who have been told that they are not protected against rubella, should receive MMR vaccine as soon as they are no longer pregnant.
What is measles?
Measles can be a serious infection. It causes high fever, cough, rash, runny nose and watery eyes. Measles lasts for one to two weeks. Ear infections or pneumonia can happen in one out of every 10 children with measles. Measles can also be complicated by encephalitis, an infection of the brain, in about one out of every 1,000 children with measles. This may cause brain damage and developmental delays. Measles can also make a pregnant woman have a miscarriage or give birth prematurely.
Measles spreads from person to person very easily and quickly. People can get measles from an infected person coughing or sneezing around them or simply talking to them.
What is mumps?
What is rubella ?
Recommended Reading: Cvs Tdap Vaccine
What Are The Side Effects Is The Covid Vaccine Safe For Kids
Vaccine side effects in kids ages 5 to 11 are mostly mild and similar to those adults may experience, according to the CDC, including soreness at the injection site, fever, muscle soreness, nausea and fatigue. In a Dec. 13 report from the agency, the CDC reviewed reports from safety monitoring systems on more than 8 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine given to kids ages 5 to 11, confirming that children’s immune systems respond well to the vaccine with common mild side effects, and that serious adverse events are rarely reported.
Inflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis, and of the muscle’s outer lining, called pericarditis, are rare and typically mild side effects linked to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, mostly in adolescent males and young men ages 12 to 29.
In one study, the CDC said that 54 recipients out of a million males ages 12 to 17 experienced myocarditis following the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty vaccine. In contrast, kids ages 5 to 11 who catch COVID-19 have a higher risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, a potentially serious complication involving inflammation of the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or other organs.
“The bottom line is that getting COVID is much riskier to the heart than anything in this vaccine, no matter what age or sex you are,” Dr. Matthew Oster, a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, told the CDC in November as reported by ABC News.
Do You Recommend These Same Vaccines For Grandparents And Other Family Members Who Will Be In Close Contact With The Newborn

I do. All close contacts to the newborn should be vaccinated with the annual influenza vaccine at least 2 weeks before meeting the baby.
They should also have had Tdap in the last 10 years. If they have not received that vaccine, they should get a Tdap booster at least 2 weeks before meeting the baby.
Read: How to Prepare for Flu Season: A Family Guide
Don’t Miss: Where To Get Tdap Vaccine Cvs
Get Your Baby Vaccinated Immediately After Birth
Never say no to a baby vaccination because its the only way to make him grow stronger and healthier. If you cant remember to take your child for vaccination on time, its better to use a vaccination schedule and monitor it. This way, you wont forget any vaccinations.
My Vaccination Hub will take care of all your infant vaccines. It assists parents in ensuring that their child is safe in the long run. Vaccination tracker, schedule, and different awareness programs, we are trying our best to build a healthier society. For more information and assistance, you can contact us on our social media handles or visit our website.
What To Do If You Move
If you move to another province or territory, your child’s vaccination schedule may change. Once you have moved, contact your new health care provider or local public health office. They will tell you which vaccines may be needed in that province or territory.
Remember to take your child’s vaccination record to the appointment with you.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Whooping Cough Vaccine
How To Get Your Child Vaccinated
Your childâs routine vaccinations are typically planned and carried out by your child’s healthcare provider at the regular well-child visits. For example, your provider can tell you which vaccines will be given at the current well-child checkup, at an upcoming checkup, or whether the vaccine may be given at another location â such as a health center, local clinic, or a pharmacy â instead of at the physicianâs office.Your provider can also inform you whether the vaccines are covered under Medicaid or your personal insurance, depending on your situation.When going to the visit, itâs a good idea to bring a copy of your childâs vaccination records. This is especially important if you have changed healthcare providers recently. If you donât have the records, ask the providerâs office, the state health department, or your childâs daycare or school for a copy.If your child is sick the day of the appointment, make sure to let the healthcare provider know. If the illness is mild, he may still be able to receive the vaccine otherwise your provider may recommend vaccinating at another time.
When To Call Your Healthcare Provider
Serious reactions to vaccines are very rare. Call your healthcare provider or public health office if your child has unusual symptoms after vaccination.
Unusual symptoms may include:
- a fever above 40°C
- crying or fussing for more than 24 hours
- worsening swelling where the needle went in and/or
- unusual sleepiness.
You know your child best. If you notice anything that is not normal after a vaccination, check with your healthcare provider.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Pharmacy Tdap Vaccine Cost
How Can I Relax My Baby After Shots
Try distracting during the vaccination process so that they dont focus on the pain caused by the prick. Even after the shot, keep them distracted and help them relax. Try humming to a comforting tune, playing soft music, and wrapping them in their comfort blanket. If your child is older, you can besupportive of them by telling them how brave they were during the entire process. Let them openly express their emotions and try spending quality time with them after the shot.
What To Expect After Baby Gets Shots
Mild fever, fussiness, and pain at the injection site are common side effects your child may experience after a vaccine. Do make sure to give your child extra care and attention after they take their shot they might be cranky and would reach out for your support. Some babies also tend to sleep more or eat less after getting their shots. These effects might vary with every child, so its best to consult your doctor about the same.
Recommended Reading: Tdap Booster Cvs
Is The Vaccine Safer Than Getting The Real Disease
Yes. Your child’s natural immune system has no problem handling the weak or dead germs in a vaccine. Your child may have a mild fever or a sore arm after vaccination but these side effects only last a few days and should not disrupt daily activities.
However, if an unvaccinated child catches the real disease, the result can be serious, or even fatal. This is because active germs multiply quickly, and your child’s immune system is not prepared to defend itself.
Why Its Important To Follow The Immunization Schedule

Itâs crucial that your child is protected from the diseases that vaccines help fight at the appropriate times. Sticking to the recommended immunization schedule is important to ensure your little one becomes or remains protected. Skipping or putting off vaccinations until later can leave your child vulnerable to dangerous diseases that a vaccine could easily have protected her against. Some of these diseases can make your little one very sick, and may require hospitalization in some cases the diseases may even result in death. Not vaccinating your child can also contribute to the spread of disease in your area.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Tdap Vaccine Schedule
Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme
Current immunisations are extremely safe but, very rarely, an individual may suffer from a problem after vaccination. The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme is designed to ease the present and future burdens of the person who, on that very rare occasion, may be affected by the vaccination. There are several conditions that need to be met before a payment can be made.
If you need more information, please contact:
Vaccine Damage Payments Unit
dTaP/IPV |
Children In Licensed Daycare Centres
If you want your child to attend daycare, and decide not to vaccinate them due to medical, religious or philosophical reasons, you will need to give your daycare a valid written exemption. If the disease appears in your childs daycare centre, your child may have to stay out of daycare until the disease is no longer present.
Don’t Miss: How Much Is The Tdap Vaccine At Cvs
Meningococcal Serogroup A C W Y Vaccination
Routine vaccination
- 2-dose series at 1112 years, 16 years
Catch-up vaccination
- Age 1315 years: 1 dose now and booster at age 1618 years
- Age 1618 years: 1 dose
Special situations
Anatomic or functional asplenia , HIV infection, persistent complement component deficiency, complement inhibitor use:
- Menveo
- Dose 1 at age 8 weeks: 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, 12 months
- Dose 1 at age 36 months: 3- or 4- dose series
- Dose 1 at age 723 months: 2-dose series
- Dose 1 at age 24 months or older: 2-dose series at least 8 weeks apart
Travel in countries with hyperendemic or epidemic meningococcal disease, including countries in the African meningitis belt or during the Hajj
- Children age less than 24 months:
- Menveo
- Dose 1 at age 8 weeks: 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, 12 months
- Dose 1 at age 36 months: 3- or 4- dose series
- Dose 1 at age 723 months: 2-dose series