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Early childhood immunizations are an important safeguard against serious illnesses for your baby. While it may be difficult to hear your baby cry when she gets a shot, keep in mind that the pain lasts mere seconds - but the benefits will last a lifetime. Remember that many vaccines are covered by provincial or territorial health plans, which means you won't have to pay out of pocket for them.
1) Five-in-one vaccine (also known as DPTP-Hib, DPT-polio, or Hib vaccine) protects against a wide variety of diseases:
Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria that produce toxins which inflame the nervous system and heart. It can result in heart failure and paralysis.
Tetanus results from bacteria that grow in wounds that produce a toxin which affects the nervous system. It causes muscle spasms and paralysis, especially in the jaw area, which is why it's also called lockjaw.
Pertussis or whooping cough, another infectious disease caused by bacteria, is especially dangerous for babies under the age of one. Its most well known symptom is a debilitating hacking cough.
Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a serious viral disease that starts with a fever and can lead to paralysis, muscle atrophy, and permanent disability. In its most severe forms, polio can cause death. |
Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) isn't the viral infection that's commonly called the flu. Instead, it's a fast-moving bacterial infection that can cause baby to have ear and bronchial infections.
2) MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine covers three diseases in a single shot:
Measles is a viral infection that causes distinctive red spots and is characterized by cold-like symptoms and a high fever.
Mumps is an infectious viral disease that results in swelling of the parotid gland that's just in front of the ear and the salivary glands. The swelling can occur on the sides of one or both cheeks. Mumps are usually accompanied by a fever and pain when the patient opens his mouth or eats.
Rubella or German measles is similar to measles - a viral infection that results in a fever, swollen glands and a rash.
In Canada, children should get the MMR shot twice. They can get it when they are:
- 12 months old and 18 months old, OR
- 12 months old and before they start school (between ages four to six) |
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3) Hepatitis B vaccine Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that's caused by a virus and can result in liver damage or failure. Hepatitis B requires a series of immunizations; to read more about them visit the Canadian Paediatric Society's Web site.
The CPS and Health Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization also recommend that children receive the following vaccines:
- Chickenpox vaccine: protects against this common yet potentially serious childhood illness.
- 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.
These last four vaccines are not covered by all provincial and territorial health plans, which means you may have to pay for them, depending on where you live. Ask your doctor or public health nurse for more information.
It's important that your child receive the vaccines at the right times to be protected. The schedule may vary slightly from province to province. Consult your physician before relocating to another province to ensure your child won't miss any vaccines.
For more information on this topic, check our Q&A Section. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please feel free to Ask a Dietitian. |
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