Confused about vaccines? How and when to get vaccinations

There are a lot of different vaccines intended to prevent serious illnesses in Canada, and the schedule of when you should get them can be confusing.

The Government of Ontario recommends getting vaccinated to help make your body stronger and more resistant to disease.

According to the province’s website, “when you get vaccines, you protect everyone else around you, too. This includes our most vulnerable people, like very young children and people who are sick or aging.”

Routine vaccinations for babies, children and adults are offered free of charge in Ontario if you meet the eligibility criteria.

The Government of Ontario has three steps on getting vaccinated:

• Talk to your doctor or local public health unit to find out what vaccines you or your child need
• Get the yellow immunization card from your doctor and bring the card with you
• Children can get vaccines in school or licensed daycare centres

Here is a breakdown by age of recommended vaccines or click here to see the chart.

2 months old
– Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis polio and haemophilus influenza type b
– Pneumococcal
– Rotavirus

4 months old
– Diphtheria, tetanus pertussis, polio and haemophilus influenza type b
– Pneumococcal
– Rotavirus

6 months old
– Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and haemophilus influenza type b

12 months old
– Measles, mumps and rubella
– Meningococcal
– Pneumococcal

15 months old
– Varicella

18 months old
– Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polo and haemophilus influenza type b

4-6 years old
– Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio
– Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella

Grade 7/8
– Hepatitis B
– Meningococcal
– Human papillomavirus (females)

14 to 16 years old
– Tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis

18 to 64 years old
– Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis(once in adulthood to replace a dose of Td)
– Tetanus and diphtheria (every 10 years)

65 years and older
– Pneumococcal (at 65 years)
– Tetanus and diphtheria (every 10 years)

It is also recommended children over six months of age get the flu vaccine every fall.

The government of Ontario also created an online tool where a child’s birth date can be entered to see what vaccine they are due for.