Starting Tuesday June 21, 2022, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) will resume routine immunization services for children and youth aged zero to 17 years who live in Ottawa and who are facing barriers in getting their routine immunizations in the community. To check eligibility and for more information, please see OPH Community Clinics.
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 child 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 to OPH.
What vaccines does my child (4 to 11 years) need? |
Between 4 and 6 years:
These vaccines are not given in schools. You will need to get them from your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can get them from a walk-in clinic or at the OPH Community Clinics. Visit our diseases prevented by routine vaccination page for more information. 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 Clinics. 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 | ||
Needles can be scary (and not just for parents). Here are some helpful ways to help reduce pain for your child when they get their vaccine. Prepare your child ahead of time
Distract your child
Position your child in an upright positionHold your young child securely in a comforting hug, sitting upright on your lap, facing forward, or facing you (front to front), with the arm exposed. Lying flat on their back during an injection, or being held too tightly, can be scary for children and can increase their fear. Older children can sit alone if they wish, with the arm exposed. If your child continues to move, ask your healthcare provider about the proper hold technique that is safest for your child. |
Vaccine safety |
Visit our Vaccine safety page for more information. |
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
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