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 (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), rotavirus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, and human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

Influenza (flu) vaccine is also recommended each year for children older than 6 months.

Not all vaccines are covered by every provincial or territorial health plan. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay for some of them.

What vaccines should my child receive?

Your child should receive all the recommended vaccines. The timing for each shot may be slightly different depending on where you live. Here is what the Canadian Paediatric Society and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization currently recommend:

If your child has a chronic health condition, extra vaccines may be needed to protect him from infections that healthy children tolerate well. If the chronic condition causes a problem with his immune system, some vaccines may need to be put off to a later time, and a few vaccines may not be given at all. Speak to your physician.

Should my child receive any other vaccines?

The CPS recommends that all children over 6 months old get a flu shot each year. The vaccine is especially important for children less than 5 years of age, and for older children with chronic conditions who are at high risk of complications from the flu. The flu shot is safe and highly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Since infants less than 6 months of age cannot get the flu shot (it won't work), antibodies against the flu are transferred to the baby from the mother before birth and through breast milk.

You should also speak to a physician about vaccines that can protect your child while travelling.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are very safe. There are rarely reasons not to get vaccinated.

​What if my child is sick when the vaccine is due?

If your child is very sick when it's time for a vaccine, talk to your doctor or health care provider.

What are the risks of not vaccinating or not vaccinating on time?

The diseases prevented by infant and childhood vaccines are serious and even deadly. Measles can spread to the brain, cause brain damage and death. Mumps can cause permanent deafness. Polio can cause paralysis. Sadly, these diseases have not disappeared. There is no treatment and no cure for diseases like measles, polio and tetanus. The only way to protect your child is through vaccination.

How can I minimize the pain?

Needles can hurt. To lessen the pain you can:

Apply a topical anesthetic (a cream that causes temporary numbness) an hour before getting the needle. You may have to confirm with your doctor what part of your child's body the shot will be given (for example, the arm or the leg). Your pharmacist can help you find the cream.

Nurse your baby while he gets the needle, or give your baby sugar water (with a teaspoon or pacifier) just before the shot.

Use distractions (blow bubbles, read a book), suggest deep breathing, remain calm and physically comfort your child (cuddle, hold hands) during the needle.

If your child is crying or fussy after getting the shot, you can give her acetaminophen (such as Tylenol or Tempra).

For tips on how to make vaccines as pain-free as possible:

Can I give my baby or child acetaminophen or ibuprofen before vaccination for pain relief?

Parents and caregivers should NOT give their 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.

Routine childhood immunization schedule

Age at vaccination 2 mos 4 mos 6 mos 12 mos 18 mos 4-6 yrs 9-13 yrs 14-16 yrs Diphtheria1

Tetanus

Pertussis

Poliomyelitis

Hib X X X X Diphtheria

Tetanus

Pertussis

Poliomyelitis X Rotavirus2 2 or 3 doses between 6 weeks and 32 weeks of age Mumps

Measles

Rubella X X3 or X3 Chickenpox4 X X4 or X4 X Pneumococcal conjugate X X (X)5 (X)5 Meningococcal conjugate6 X X

(12 years) Flu (Influenza) All children over 6