Who Is Exempt From Arrival Testing
- Already recovered: Travellers who provide a positive COVID-19 molecular pre-entry test result, conducted at least 14 and no more than 180 days before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border crossing, are exempt from arrival testing
- People arriving by boat are exempt from arrival testing
- Children under the age of 5 are exempt from arrival testing
Fully vaccinated travellers are not exempt from randomized arrival testing.
You are under a legal obligation to take the arrival test within the required timeframe. If you don’t comply, you may not be exempted from quarantine. You may also be transferred to a quarantine facility, face fines, tickets, and/or imprisonment.
If you don’t comply, you will receive calls from a live agent or automated system to verify your compliance.
Ontario Has New Proof Of Vaccination Rules For Kids Over 12 In Organized Sports
In response to the Omicron variant’s presence in Ontario, the provincial government will soon require children 12 to 17 years old to show proof of vaccination in order to participate in organized sports in recreational facilities.
In a press release on December 10, the Ontario government announced that the new requirement will come into effect on December 20 across the province.
As of December 9, over 90% of Ontarians aged 12 and over have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and more than 87% have received two doses, according to the press release.
While this rule is new for the province at large, Toronto has already had a similar rule in effect for over a month. Since November 1, Torontonians 12 years old and up have not been able to participate in any indoor sports without proof of vaccination, including coaches and officials.
In addition to adding in vaccination requirements for children’s sports, the Ontario government announced it will not be lifting proof of vaccination requirements in early January, as previously planned.
People in Ontario will also be required to use an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code by January 4, and businesses or organizations required to check proof of vaccination will be “advised to no longer accept” physician notes as of January 10.
Instead, those with medical or clinical trial exemptions will have to present a “certificate with a QR code,” according to the Ontario government.
To Qualify For The Fully Vaccinated Traveller Exemption You Must:
- be eligible to enter Canada on the specific date you enter
- have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19
- have received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines
- have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada
- Example: if your last dose was anytime on Thursday July 1st, then Friday July 16th would be the first day that you meet the 14 day condition
- upload your proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN
- meet all other entry requirements
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Routinely Administered Vaccines For Children
Some of the most commonly administered vaccines are briefly discussed below. A complete list of licensed vaccines in the United States and additional information, such as prescribing information and patient labeling are available at: .
Why Children Are Vaccinated At Such A Young Age
Children are vaccinated at a very young age because this is when they are most vulnerable to diseases. At this point their immune system is not developed enough to be able to fight serious infections.
The vaccination schedule is based on infants’ ability to create an immune response. Vaccines are given to protect them against 14 serious diseases at a time when they are most at risk.
Medical experts do not advise delaying or spreading out the recommended vaccines. This does not provide any added benefit to your child.
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If Your Child Can’t Be Vaccinated
Some children may not be able to get some vaccines, including those with:
- specific medical conditions
- severe allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients
Examples include children who need to take high-dose steroids or who have a weakened immune system from cancer treatment . These children may need to avoid vaccines that contain a weakened live virus, such as measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
These children are at risk of getting the disease that the vaccine would have prevented.
Talk to your health care provider or local public health authority if you have any concerns about your child’s health status and vaccines.
If your child can’t be vaccinated, you can help protect them by encouraging others to get vaccinated. This will help prevent the spread of disease to your child.
What To Bring To Your Appointment
For your appointment, you should bring:
- your booking confirmation code or email
- your Ontario health card, if you have one
- a letter from your school, medical provider or faith leader, if you dont have an Ontario health card
- your immunization record, if available, to keep track of your COVID-19covid 19 vaccine
- an allergy form, if you have a suspected allergy to the Pfizer vaccine or any of its ingredients or have had a previous allergic reaction to a vaccine
- a mask
- a support person, if needed
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How Can I Minimize The Pain
Needles can hurt. To lessen the pain you can:
- Apply a topical anesthetic an hour before getting the needle. You may have to confirm with your doctor what part of your childs body the shot will be given . Your pharmacist can help you find the cream.
- Nurse your baby while they get the needle, or give your baby sugar water just before the shot.
- Use distractions , suggest deep breathing, remain calm and physically comfort your child during the needle.
Do not give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen before or shortly after vaccination since it could have an impact on how well the vaccine works. Wait at least 6 hours post-vaccination for pain or fever relief.
For tips on how to make vaccines as pain-free as possible:
Notes:
Your Arrival Test Results
You can travel on to your destination. You dont need to wait for your arrival test results.
If your arrival test is negative:
- follow local public health measures
- maintain a list of all close contacts for your first 14 days in Canada
- monitor yourself for signs and symptoms
- keep copies of your proof of vaccination for 14 days
- Immediately contact and follow the instructions of the local public health authority where you are staying
- Report your positive test result to the Public Health Agency of Canada by calling 1-833-641-0343
- Keep copies of your proof of vaccination for 14 days
You must take another test.
- If you completed your test using a kit: another kit should be automatically couriered to you by your testing provider.
- If you were tested on-site at the airport: contact your testing provider to find out how to complete a follow-up test
- If you are in Alberta: you must book a retest through the Alberta Health Services Assessment Centre
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Keeping Your Childs Vaccination Record Up To Date
Ask the doctor or nurse to give you a written record and take this record with you whenever you take your child to a doctor, a clinic or hospital. An up-to-date vaccine record is especially important if you move to a new province or territory, as vaccine schedules are not the same everywhere. Your child may miss vaccine doses if your new doctor or clinic does not know exactly which vaccines they have already received.
You can also use the CANImmunize smartphone app. CANImmunize is a digital tool for Canadians that securely stores their vaccination records and helps them get vaccinated on time. The app also provides access to information and resources about vaccination from trusted Canadian health sources, so people can make informed vaccination decisions for themselves and their families.
The Development Of The Immunization Schedule
This 1971 photograph shows system analysts discussing an immunization schedule system implemented during the early 1970s.CDC/Donald Smith, 1971
In the United States, the first requirement for vaccination of children attending public schools was issued in Massachusetts in 1853. By the end of the 1800s, most of the states in New England had vaccine requirements for children attending public schools, albeit with some exceptions. Back then, the only vaccine of interest was smallpox, a vaccine developed by Edward Jenner at the turn of the century. Of course, that mandate did not come without evidence behind it. Before vaccination, variolation was the intervention of choice to prevent smallpox. Variolation was risky because it was all about giving someone smallpox in a controlled manner and under the supervision of a physician in order to trigger a milder course of the disease while eliciting a lifelong immune response. Once vaccination became the norm, it was preferred over variolation and eventually replaced variolation.
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If You Have Multiple Children They Each Need An Appointment
You can take more than 1 child to get vaccinated at once. They each need to have their own appointment for the same day and same clinic, but the appointments don’t need to be at the same time. You can arrive at the clinic at any of the appointment times you booked, and all family members will be vaccinated at the same time.
For example, if you have 2 children that you would like to get vaccinated after school on December 16:
- Book 1 appointment for 3:30 pm on December 16
- Book another appointment at any available time at the same clinic on December 16
- Take both children to the appointment at 3:30 pm
Preparing Your Child For Vaccines
Getting a vaccine can be stressful for some children. With some preparation and kid-friendly explanation, parents can help to make vaccine visits easier and less stressful. Talk to your health care provider or health unit if you have any questions about the vaccine your child will receive.
Prepare your child before the visit. Be honest. Explain that shots can pinch or sting, but that it wont hurt for long. Tell your child that vaccines are important to keep them healthy.
For younger children
- Hold your child or cuddle them on your lap.
- Use distractions like toys, bubbles, and books.
For older children
- Older children can use distractions like games, books, music, and talking about something unrelated to the vaccination. Deep breathing and/or counting, as well as keeping the arm relaxed and still may help to make the shot easier.
- For children getting their shots at school clinics, tell them to let the nurse know if they feel nervous about getting vaccinated or if they feel faint or light-headed before, during, or after the vaccination. The clinic staff can help them through the process.
Ask your health care provider or local public health unit about using topical anesthetics .
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Diphtheria And Tetanus Toxoids And Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed
- Brand Names: Daptacel and Infanrix
- What it’s for: Prevents the bacterial diseases diphtheria, tetanus , and pertussis . This combination vaccine is given as a series in infants and children 6 weeks through 6 years of age, prior to their 7th birthday. The bacteria that cause diphtheria can infect the throat, causing a thick covering that can lead to problems with breathing, paralysis, or heart failure. Tetanus can cause painful tightening of the muscles, seizures, paralysis, and death. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has the initial symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough, which may seem like a typical cold. Usually, the cough slowly becomes more severe. Eventually the patient may experience bouts of rapid coughing followed by the whooping sound that gives the disease its common name as they try to inhale. While the coughing fit is occurring, the patient may vomit or turn blue from lack of air. Patients gradually recover over weeks to months.
- Common side effects may include: Fever, drowsiness, fussiness/irritability, and redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Tell your healthcare provider beforehand if: The child is moderately or severely ill, has had swelling of the brain within 7 days after a previous dose of vaccine, has a neurologic disorder such as epilepsy, or has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous shot.
Recommended Immunizations For Children Ages 4 To 6 Years Old
The shots recommended between ages 4 and 6 are often called kindergarten vaccines because kids are often required to be up to date on their immunizations to start attending elementary school. No new vaccines are introduced at this time, but oftentimes vaccines are given as combinations.
For example, DTap and IPV can be given in a single shot. MMR and varicella vaccines can also be combined into a single immunization. These vaccines are just as effective when given together, and it cuts down on the number of shots kids need.
An overview of immunizations for kids ages 4 to 6 years old
- DTaP The fifth and final diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is recommended when your child is between 4 and 6 years old.
- IPV The fourth and final poliovirus vaccine is recommended when your child is between 4 and 6 years old.
- MMR The second and final dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is also recommended when your child is between 4 and 6 years old.
- Varicella The second and final dose of the chickenpox vaccine is also recommended when your child is between 4 and 6 years old.
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If Your Child Is Missing A Vaccine
Life can get busy and you may not be able to make every vaccination appointment for your child. Your child may also have missed vaccines from your health care provider or their school because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is important to call your health care provider or local public health authority if your child missed receiving any vaccines. They can help your child get back on track with the recommended vaccination schedule. This will help to protect your child from many vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccination And Your Child
Vaccination is the best way to protect your child against many dangerous diseases. In Canada, vaccines prevent illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis , polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B , rotavirus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, human papillomavirus virus , and influenza.
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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.
Ontario To Require Proof Of Vaccination For Youth To Participate In Sports And Will No Longer Accept Doctors Notes For Medical Exemptions
KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government announced new COVID-19 measures this afternoon including targeting childrens sports.
As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, we are taking additional measures to protect our progress as we head into the winter months, said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. Getting vaccinated and adhering to public health and workplace safety measures will continue to protect us and our loved ones against COVID and variants, but we wont hesitate to continue to take swift action to ensure the continued health and safety of all Ontarians.
Today in Ontario there are 718 new cases of COVID in the fully vaccinated and 613 in the unvaccinated.
Ontarios weekly cases incidence rate is below the national average, and recent investments combined with high vaccination rates have meant hospital and intensive care unit capacity remains stable according to the government.
The province is adjusting its COVID-19 response that will strengthen the provinces proof of vaccination requirements and enhance public health measures. This includes the following measures:
The full suite of measures is outlined in the backgrounder.
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