Early Years Immunizations
Which routine immunizations will my child receive?
Between the ages of 2 and 18 months your child will receive immunizations based on the Ontario's Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules, to protect you and your family from serious diseases that can cause disability and even death.
Diphtheria |
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A bacteria that typically infects the nose or throat and produces a toxin that can also damage the heart, nerves, and kidneys. People who are immune to diphtheria can still carry the bacteria and infect others who are not. |
Tetanus (Lockjaw) |
| A disease that can occur if tetanus spores enter the body through an opening in the skin. It causes muscle cramping in the neck, arms, legs, and stomach and can cause muscle contractions strong enough to break bones. About 20 percent of cases are fatal even with medical treatment. |
Pertussis (Whooping cough) |
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An infection caused by bordetella pertussis bacteria. Pertussis causes severe coughing spells which can lead to breathing problems, vomiting, pneumonia, brain damage, and death in young children, especially those under one year of age. |
Poliomyelitis (Polio) |
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An infection caused by the poliovirus that can cause permanent nerve damage. 1 in 100 cases develops paralysis. People with mild or no illness can still carry the virus and infect others. |
Haemophilus Influenza Type b (Hib) |
| A bacteria that until recently was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children under the age of 5. |
Pneumococcal disease |
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Streptococcus pneumoniae can be a cause of severe bacterial infections in children and some adults. It can cause ear infections, pneumococcal meningitis, blood poisoning, and pneumonia. |
Rotavirus |
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A virus that is a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in children under the age of 5. Rotavirus often leads to doctor’s office or emergency room visits and can result in hospitalization. |
Measles |
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A highly contagious virus that causes high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and rash. About 1 in 10 cases has complications such as ear infections, croup, pneumonia or diarrhea. Serious complications such as encephalitis occur in about 1 in 1000 cases and death occurs in 1 to 2 in 1000 cases. |
Mumps |
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A viral infection that causes fever, headache and swelling of the salivary glands around the jaw and cheeks. Mumps meningitis occurs in about 1 in 10 cases. It can also cause deafness, encephalitis, infertility, and very rarely death. |
Rubella (German measles) |
| Usually a mild viral illness, however if a women gets rubella during the early part of her pregnancy it can cause miscarriage or affect the baby’s development. |
Meningococcal disease |
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Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis, blood poisoning, septic shock and infection in the lungs, joints, bones, heart and skin. The infection progresses quickly and can be fatal even with early medical treatment. Complications can include deafness, gangrene, and kidney damage. |
Varicella (Chickenpox) |
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A disease with a characteristic blister like rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. It can be serious for adults, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and young babies. Complications can include severe skin infections, swelling in the brain, pneumonia and central nervous system problems, all of which can result in death. |
When can my child get the flu shot?
Once your child reaches 6 months of age, they are eligible to receive an influenza vaccine (flu shot) every year. The flu is a serious respiratory infection caused by a virus. The flu can cause a cough, fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and death. Babies are at higher risk for these complications.
The first time your child gets their flu shot, they will receive two doses at least 4 weeks apart if they are under the age of 9 years.
The first dose stimulates their immune system but it may not be enough to protect them against the flu. The second dose provides protection so that they will be able to fight off the virus if they are exposed. Your child will only need one dose a year when it is given again in the years to come.
How do I schedule my child's immunization appointment?
- Book appointments according to Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule.
- If you have any questions or are unsure what immunizations your child has had, have your child’s immunization record reviewed with your health care provider to ensure they are up-to-date. If you do not have a health care provider please call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875.
- If immunizations are needed book an appointment with your child’s health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, please book an appointment at the KFL&A Public Health’s immunization clinic. This can be done online or by calling 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875.
- Once your child’s immunizations are up-to-date, please report immunizations to KFL&A Public Health online, download the free CANImmunize app for iOS or Android, or call 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875.
Important note
Health care providers do not report immunizations to their local public health unit. Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting all immunizations to KFL&A Public Health.
Resources
- A Parent's Guide to Immunization - Government of Canada
- Caring for Kids: Vaccination and your Child - Canadian Paediatric Society
- Immunize Canada
- Support your Child During Immunizations - KFL&A Public Health