Vaccines are an important part of healthy growth and development. Think of them the same way you would healthy eating, physical activity, or proper sleep.
Vaccines are a proven and safe way to prevent serious infections. Although we rarely see most of these diseases in Canada now, they still exist. If we stop vaccinating children, these diseases will return. Vaccines sometimes even prevent death.
Vaccines help your body to help itself. Your body will make antibodies when you get a vaccine. Antibodies help your immune system to identify and destroy a virus. This will protect your baby or toddler and those around them.
Most vaccines are given by injection. Some are given orally (in the mouth). New types of vaccines, such as nasal sprays, make them less painful for some patients.
It is important to report any vaccines your child receives to Ottawa Public Health(OPH). OPH keeps a record of your child's vaccinations to help protect public safety. This is important if there is ever a disease outbreak.
Your child's health care provider and school are not mandated to report your child's immunization to OPH. Please visit our Reporting page for more information on reporting vaccines.
What vaccines does my baby or toddler (birth to 3 years) need? | ||||||||||
Your baby will need several vaccines before the age of 3. From birth, babies have some antibody protection provided by the mother and will begin to develop their own antibodies in response to germs that are part of the environment. Vaccines help your baby develop antibodies to protect them from diseases that can cause serious harm and even death. The schedule below will help you know what vaccine your child needs, and when:
You will need to get the vaccines listed from your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can get them from a walk-in clinic. Visit our diseases prevented by routine vaccination page for more information on these diseases. See what vaccines are publicly funded in Ontario in this resource. |
Where can my child receive immunizations? | ||||
In Ontario, immunizations can be given at your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or through the OPH Immunization Clinic. If you are currently looking for a family doctor please register with Health Care Connect, and a nurse will help you find a doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in our community. |
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Reducing pain during vaccination | ||||
Getting a vaccine will be a new experience for your baby. Your toddler might be a bit afraid. Here are some helpful tips to reduce the pain of a vaccine. Give it your best shot!
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Vaccine Safety |
Visit our Vaccine work page for more information. |
Frequently Asked Questions |
Looking for more information? Visit our Frequently asked questions page. |
Do you have more questions about parenting?
- Speak with a Public Health Nurse. Call the Ottawa Public Health Info Centre at 613-PARENTS [613-727-3687] (TTY: 613-580-9656) or email Ottawa Public Health at ParentinginOttawa@ottawa.ca
- Connect with a Public Health Nurse and other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page
- There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa
Please ensure to update your child’s immunizations online prior to calling.
Reporting and Updating My Child’s Immunizations
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