Vaccination is the best way to protect your child against dangerous diseases. Children in Canada are routinely vaccinated against many serious illnesses, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), measles, mumps, rubella and hepatits B.

Several new vaccines are now available to protect against chickenpox (varicella), pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, as well as diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and rotavirus gastroenteritis (a common cause of severe diarrhea in children under 3 years).

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

Not all of these vaccines are covered by every provincial or territorial health plan.

What vaccines should my child receive? (see Table 1)

It is important that your child receive all the vaccines (“shots”) recommended in the childhood immunization schedule. The timing for these shots may be slightly different depending on where you live.  

• 5-in-1 (also known as DPTP-Hib), DPT-polio, or Hib vaccine: These vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Hib disease.
• MMR: This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.  
• Hepatitis B
• dTap: This vaccine for adolescents: protects against diptheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including meningitis (a brain infection), pneumonia, and ear infections. 
• Meningococcal vaccine: Protects against diseases caused by the meningococcus bacteria, including meningitis and septicemia, a serious blood infection. 
• HPV vaccine: Protects girls from several types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. 

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 who are at high risk of complications from the flu. These are children with heart or lung problems (like cystic fibrosis or asthma), a chronic condition like diabetes, or have to be treated for long periods of time with ASA (Aspirin).

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.

• If your child had an allergic reaction to a vaccine—such as breathing problems, severe swelling of the skin or mouth—talk to your doctor before the next shot.
• With any vaccine, there may be some redness, swelling or pain at the place where the needle went into the arm or leg.
• Some children may have a fever after a vaccine. Ask your doctor what to give for the fever or pain.
• If your child is very sick when it’s time for a vaccine, talk to your doctor.
• If your child has a severe egg allergy (hives, swelling of the eyes, face or mouth), she should only be given the flu vaccine under close medical supervision. The vaccine is made in chicken eggs.

How can I minimize the pain?

Needles can hurt. To lessen the pain you can:

• Apply a topical anaesthetic (a cream that causes temporary numbness) an hour before getting the needle. You may have to confirm with your doctor where he will give the shot. Your pharmacist can help you find the cream.
• Give your baby sugar water (with a teaspoon or pacifier) just before the shot, or nurse your baby while he gets the needle.
• 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.

Routine childhood immunization schedule

For information on which vaccines are covered and when in your province visit: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/is-vc-eng.php.

Notes:

1. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) requires a series of immunizations. The exact number and timing of each may vary with the type of vaccine used.
2. Two-dose programs for MMR are given in all territories and provinces. Second dose MMR is given either at 18 months or 4-6 years of age. If the child is past the age at which the second MMR is recommended, the second dose can be given 1-2 months after the first.
3. Hepatitis B requires a series of immunizations. In some jurisdictions, they may be administered at a younger age.
4. Given in 1 dose to children between 1 and 12 years old and in 2 doses, 1 month apart for older children. It is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
5. The specific age that your child will be offered the vaccine through the provincial or territorial immunization program depends on the provincial program. Children at higher risk for meningococcal infection should receive a conjugate meningococcal C vaccine as a baby and MCV4 when they reach 2 years of age. All adolescents should receive a booster dose with MCV4 or a conjugate meningococcal C vaccine at about 12 years of age.
6. For girls only. The second dose is given 2 months after the first, and the third dose after 6 months.

Where can I get more information?

• Vaccine safety
• A parent’s guide to immunization information on the Internet
• Talk to your doctor or public health nurse if you have questions about vaccines or your child’s health.
• For information on your child’s health while travelling, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's website.
• The CPS has also published a book for parents called Your Child’s Best Shot: A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination. It can be ordered at www.cps.ca or by calling 613-526-9397.

Reviewed by the CPS Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee

Last updated: October 2009